Amnesty Slams Arrests Over Seditious Social Media Posts

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Amnesty International Malaysia condemned the recent arrests of seven individuals, allegedly over insulting and seditious social media posts, calling it a betrayal of the government’s promise to uphold freedom of speech.
The group lamented the arrests in light of its repeated warnings that overlapping and ambiguous Malaysian laws restrict freedom of speech and expression.
"This latest use of criminal investigations against online users highlights the urgent need for the government to suspend and review these laws in line with international human rights standards, and to ensure that freedom of expression - online and offline - is fully protected," it said in a statement today.
Yesterday, Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director M Kumar said police have arrested seven individuals suspected of being involved in spreading videos and statements containing seditious elements and insulting national leaders via social media.
He said the investigation followed the spread of seven videos on TikTok and Facebook.
The videos contained elements of sedition, threats and insults towards the government and national leaders, he explained.
He added that the case is being investigated according to various legal provisions, including Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948, Sections 504 and 505(b) of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
Authorities being intimidating
Amnesty International Malaysia freedom of expression campaigner Kiran Kaur accused the authorities of intimidation and pursuing control of online spaces through digital laws.
Amnesty International Malaysia freedom of expression campaigner Kiran KaurThe arrests paint the perception that light criticisms or satire directed at the government could lead to arrests, she said.
“Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim once promised to end the use of laws like the Sedition Act, but now they’re being used to silence those critical of the government. Satire and opinions are not crimes.
"Instead of policing speech online, the government should be building trust by protecting open and safe spaces for public debate,” she said.
Last month, Bersatu Youth chief Hilman Idham reminded Anwar that Pakatan Harapan had promised to abolish the colonial-era Sedition Act, which has been used against various prominent opposition leaders.
In condemning the arrest of the party’s Port Dickson division chief, Badrul Hisham Shaharin, Hilman accused the government of wielding the Sedition Act to remain in power. - Mkini

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