The Malaysian Constitution provides for freedoms of speech and press. However, freedom of expression is often restricted through intimidation into self-censorship or exertion of a series of tough censorship laws (FotP 2016). Among others, the Printing Presses and Publications Act (PPPA) gives the Malaysian government the authority to suspend or revoke licenses without judicial review, while the Official Secrets Act (OSA) reduces transparency in governance as freedom of information has been curbed due to the classification of all government documents as ‘secret’ (FotP 2016). In effect, opposition leader Rafizi Ramli was sentenced to 18 months under the Officials Secrets Act for disclosing part of the Auditor General’s report into the 1MDB corruption case to journalists (The Diplomat, Nov. 2016). International NGOs perceive the sentencing as a serious setback to freedom of free speech in Malaysia (The Diplomat, Nov. 2016). The 1MBD corruption case involving Prime Minister Najib also prompted several other defamation charges (FotP 2016). The Internet is subject to supervision, and political speech is restricted by several laws (HRR 2015). Instances of physical threats and intimidation against journalists have been reported (FotP 2016). Malaysia’s media environment is considered ‘not free’ (FotP 2016).
Although the Constitution provides for the rights of association and assembly, the government has limited these freedoms in practice (through the Public Order Ordinance and the Police Act) on grounds of maintaining security and public order (HRR 2015). Civil society activity has recently increased and strengthened in some areas, especially through groups that monitor human rights, the environment, and government reform agendas. However, overall, civil society tradition remains weak, and citizens in urban areas play a marginal role (BTI 2016).
