Parodies and satire: Gov’t to tell when it is ok?

The Malaysian government is set to amend the Communications and Multimedia Act (CMA) 1998, clarifying its stance on parodies and satire. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil stated that such content would not be criminalized unless deemed “grossly offensive.” The proposed changes aim to provide clear enforcement guidelines and balance free speech with necessary limitations. Current CMA Section 233 penalizes communication deemed “obscene, indecent, false, menacing, or offensive,” often
criticized as overly vague. Activists have mocked the law as “Akta Sakit Hati” (Hurt Feelings Act) for being too ambiguous and for being abused to target those with dissenting opinions.

Satire Limitations

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