Growing calls for Malaysian govt to review outdated laws on freedom of speech

KUCHING (Aug 29): There has been a growing call for the Malaysian government to review and repeal outdated laws that restrict freedom of speech and expression, said Dr Muzaffar Syah Mallow.

The Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia’s Faculty of Syariah and Law associate professor said critics argue that the existing legislation, such as the Sedition Act 1948, stifles dissent and limits public discourse.

This, he said, is contrary to the current government’s reform commitments.

“Amnesty International’s recent report highlights that Malaysia continues to employ repressive laws to curtail freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

“The report underscores a concerning trend of increased censorship, harassment, and legal restrictions on public dissent in 2023.

“Despite pre-election promises to reform such laws, the government has been accused of backtracking and using these laws to silence critical voices,” he said in a statement issued yesterday.

The Sedition Act 1948, introduced by the British during colonial rule to address post-war unrest, he said remains in force even decades after Malaysia’s independence and the formation of the federation.

Despite previous efforts to review the Act, it still functions as a tool for suppressing critical speech, said Dr Muzaffar.

“Article 10(1)(a) of the Malaysia’s Federal Constitution guarantees every citizen’s right to express their views without fear of reprisal.

“The Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights also support this right, emphasising that such freedoms are essential for societal progress and global integration,” he said.

“The repealing or amending outdated laws like the Sedition Act 1948 would align Malaysia with global human rights practices and encourage a more open, progressive public discourse,” he said, adding that such move would also reflect the current government’s democratic values.