Dennis Ignatius
~ Provoking discussion, dissent & debate on politics, diplomacy, human rights & civil society.
Censorship Surge in Malaysia: A Threat to Democracy
23SaturdayNov 2024
Posted in Democracy, Malaysia, press freedom
Tags
authoritarianism, censorship, crackdown on dissent, democracy, Madani government, repressive laws, social media
[1] Listening to our prime minister these days leaves one with the impression that Malaysia is headed for a crisis. He recently warned, for example, that the country is at a “crossroads” – in danger from both Islamophobes and Islamic extremists who are inciting the public against the government.[1] Subsequently, at the launch of an action plan to counter “violent extremism”[2], he appeared to conflate a whole array of threats – including political and racial extremists, social, religious as well as external elements – with terrorism. Referencing May 13th, he also warned that “racial debates… have now reached a very intense and dangerous level.”[3]
[2] At the same time, he is sees enemies everywhere – Islamophobes, ultra-liberals, extremists, 3R subversives, ‘haprak’ netizens, T15 subsidy grabbers, sundry malcontents and, of course, the mahakaya maharajahs. Indeed, he leaves his listeners with the sense that the nation is in imminent danger from enemies within and without. But who are these enemies really? For the most part, they are just citizens and civil society organizations deeply concerned about his policies and opposition members.
[3] Is he playing up all these dangers to justify further moves to neuter the opposition and crackdown on dissent? Despite his safe, strong and stable parliamentary majority, the prime minister seems to be as insecure as ever. Or perhaps he knows that the ground is shifting, that the voices of discontent are growing and repression is the only way to stave off challenges to his rule.
[4] Already news portals and websites critical of the government have been blocked[4] while social media comments and videos critical of the government on TikTok, Facebook and other media have been removed at the request of the government. Media reports indicate that the Madani government made the world’s highest number of requests to TikTok to take down content in the second half of 2023, part of a surge in social media censorship.[5] According to Suaram, there has also been a 65% rise in sedition probes since 2023.[6]
[5] Not content with existing legislation, the government is now considering even tougher measures to stifle legitimate dissent. An amendment to the controversial Printing Press and Publications Act is being studied;[7]if passed it would tighten control over online media like Malaysiakini, Free Malaysia Today, Malay Mail, etc. – the last bastion of press freedom left in the country.
[6] As well, the government is moving forward with a new licensing regime for social media and messaging platforms (like Facebook and TikTok) that will give the government the power to curb criticism of the government. More ominously, the cabinet has agreed to the drafting of a new wide-ranging national security bill to “protect the country from internal and external threats, including safeguarding the constitutional monarchy, parliamentary democracy, and interfaith harmony.”[8]
[7] Of course, the government will argue that it’s all about protecting interfaith harmony, peace and stability, national security, preventing cyber-bulling, clamping down on pornography and scams, etc. The prime minister even invoked the name of the Malay Rulers to justify the crackdown on dissent saying that, “While we permit the people to speak, the Council of Malay Rulers is very strict… they do not want and do not allow any open criticism….”[9]
[8] But make no mistake, ultimately this is really about limiting the legitimate right of the people to criticise and hold accountable the government they elect. The blocking of TikTok comments critical of the prime minister’s remarks on CNN recently[10], police investigations into a Facebook post by Sarawakian activist Francis Paul Siah on the same issue[11] and the takedown order issued to Malaysiakini over its coverage of the on-going corruption scandal in Sabah[12] should tell us what this is really about.
[9] UMNO of course would have no problems with repressive laws; that’s how they maintained their grip on power previously. But it is more than disappointing that PKR and DAP – parties that fought so long and so hard to defend our democracy in the darkest of days – should now be midwives to the birth of a new era of repression.
[10] Under the Madani government, Malaysia has seen its World Press Freedom Index ranking drop 34 places. The prime minister says he is not bothered by it[13] but it should matter greatly to all Malaysians. Zaid Malek of Lawyers For Liberty noted recently, that the government has “slipped comfortably into authoritarianism,”[14] a view that was also shared by more than 3 dozen other CSOs.[15] We ignore these warning at our own peril.
[Dennis Ignatius |Kuala Lumpur | 23rd November 2024
[1] Country at crossroads with different understanding of Islam, says PM Anwar |NST |14 Sept 2024
[2] Malaysian Action Plan on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism |Bernama |30 Sept 2024
[3] Govt launches plan to counter terrorists, political and racial extremists |Malaysiakini |30 Sept 2024
[4] Lawyers blast Anwar for ‘doesn’t matter’ stand on Malaysia’s plunge in press freedom ranking |Malaysia Now | 8 May 2024
[5] Social media censorship in Malaysia surges during PM Anwar’s first year in power: Report |Strait Times |13 June 2024
[6] 65% rise in sedition probes in 2023, says Suaram | FMT |27 Marc 2024
[7] Press groups alarmed by proposed online media licensing |Malaysiakini |16 Nov 2024
[8] Sedition Act stays for now, but National Security Bill in the works, says deputy home minister |Malay Mail |14 Nov 2024
[9] Anwar cites respecting rulers’ position for press freedom index slide |Malaysiakini |21 Nov 2024
[10] Do what’s right for Palestine, says prominent thinker amid storm over Anwar’s three yesses to CNN anchor | Malaysia Now | 16 Nov 2024
[11] MoCS leader summoned by police over social media post criticising PM |Borneo Post |21 Nov 2024
[12] MCMC vs Malaysiakini |Malaysiakini |18 November 2024
[13] PM Anwar shrugs off Malaysia’s 34-place drop in World Press Freedom Index 2024 |Malay Mail |27 May 2024
[14] Lawyers for Liberty |Press statement | 1 Nov 2024
[15] Why is Malaysia asking social media platforms to get a licence or risk getting banned? | CNA | 30 Jul 2024
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