The Communications and Multimedia Act (CMA) 1998, recently amended and read in Parliament on December 2, 2024, has drawn criticism for violating freedom of expression and privacy rights protected under international human rights law and Malaysia’s Federal Constitution. Critics argue that the regressive amendments contradict Article 10 of the Constitution and Section 3(3) of the CMA, which prohibits internet censorship.
Communications law
The amendments undermine the Madani Government’s commitment, under the Pakatan Harapan Manifesto, to review and repeal restrictive laws on free speech. Instead, they introduce further limitations, raising concerns about the government’s adherence to international obligations, including Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which protects freedom of expression. Over the years, the CMA has been weaponized to stifle dissent, and these new changes exacerbate fears about the government’s commitment to uphold democratic standards.
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