Malaysia

Freedom of expression in Malaysia continues to deteriorate, with human rights defenders, journalists and protestors targeted with criminal sanctions for exercising their rights. The government has yet to ratify the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and many of the country’s laws fall short of international standards on free expression. Laws such as the Penal Code and Sedition Act, as well as increasingly the Communications and Multimedia Act, are used against human rights defenders and media organisations for comments online and offline which are critical of the government and address corruption.

ARTICLE 19’s work in Malaysia includes advocating for the reform of laws which restrict free expression, working to improve religious tolerance and combat hate speech, and documenting violations of freedom of expression in Malaysia.  We work to address three inter-related issues: the use of hate speech and discriminatory language on social media targeting religious and ethnic minorities; moves by the government to limit on- and off-line speech through criminal defamation and other legal action; and the capacity deficit of government institutions mandated to protect freedom of expression.

Malaysia: Solidarity with Kean Wong
17.10.2023 4 min read

Malaysia: Solidarity with Kean Wong

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Malaysia: Drop Charges against activist Wong Yan Ke
10.10.2023 2 min read

Malaysia: Drop Charges against activist Wong Yan Ke

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Malaysia: Reinstating the ban on ‘Gay is Okay’ is suppression of freedom of expression
26.09.2023 3 min read

Malaysia: Reinstating the ban on ‘Gay is Okay’ is suppression of freedom of expression

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Malaysia: The government must stop harassing protesters and restricting peaceful protests
21.09.2023 5 min read

Malaysia: The government must stop harassing protesters and restricting peaceful protests

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Malaysia: End use of vague legal provisions to censor freedom of expression
15.09.2023 4 min read

Malaysia: End use of vague legal provisions to censor freedom of expression

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Malaysia: Repeal Printing Presses and Publications Act to end abuse of power
23.08.2023 6 min read

Malaysia: Repeal Printing Presses and Publications Act to end abuse of power

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Malaysia: UPR Joint submission on freedom of expression
15.08.2023 3 min read

Malaysia: UPR Joint submission on freedom of expression

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Malaysia: Holistic approach vital to address race, religion and royalty
13.07.2023 3 min read

Malaysia: Holistic approach vital to address race, religion and royalty

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Malaysia: Halt legal action against Meta over content moderation
23.06.2023 4 min read

Malaysia: Halt legal action against Meta over content moderation

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