Press Briefing: New government, old tactics: laws abused to throttle online expression in Malaysia
Channel: Access Now
Date: 2021-06-10

A new emergency law in Malaysia is criminalizing the creation, publication, and dissemination of “fake news” online. In March 2021, the government implemented the Emergency (Essential Powers) (No.2) Ordinance, reintroducing provisions from the heavily-criticized and now-defunct Anti-Fake News Act 2018 — a law repealed for expanding executive powers to curtail online dissent. This backslide on human rights reflects a return by the current Malaysian administration to the former government’s tactics to limit freedom of expression and information. 

Amidst political instability as parliament remains suspended, and Malaysia heads towards potential general elections, contempt of court, sedition, and communications laws are targeting human rights defenders and independent media platforms. 

This press briefing brought together local and global experts to provide insights and recommendations to strengthen solidarity in advocacy against this trend, and explore what this oppressive trend means for online expression in Malaysia, and beyond. Through a live video platform, members of the media got the opportunity to ask the pressing questions.