CSO Platform for Reform expresses deep concern over the recent announcement by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim regarding the government’s plan to licence and regulate social media platforms under the “class licence for application service providers”, as per the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
While we acknowledge the need to address serious issues such as cyber-bullying, child abuse and financial scams, we are alarmed by the potential implications of such regulations on freedom of speech and expression.
It is feared that the measures proposed by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) are broad and could be used to suppress legitimate dissent and criticism, stifling the fundamental democratic right to free speech.
The prime minister’s statement – “Is it freedom to lie, freedom to steal, freedom to cause others to kill themselves, and so on?” – raises valid concerns about harmful online activities.
However, it is crucial that any regulatory framework is narrowly tailored, transparent, and implemented with adequate safeguards to prevent misuse.
- Sign up for Aliran's free daily email updates or weekly newsletters or both
- Make a one-off donation to Persatuan Aliran Kesedaran Negara, CIMB a/c 8004240948
- Make a pledge or schedule an auto donation to Aliran every month or every quarter
- Become an Aliran member
The current approach risks conflating lawful expression with harmful behaviour, potentially leading to censorship and self-censorship among social media users.
The “Madani” (civil and compassionate) government was built on the spirit of respect and trust, which should be the foundational principles of good governance.
The commitment to uphold freedom of expression must be genuine, well- informed and evidence-based, not merely rhetorical.
The use of licensing laws should not become a tool for controlling public discourse or silencing critics.
Therefore, CSO Platform for Reform urges the Madani government to do the following:
- Clarify the scope and application of the proposed regulations to avoid overreach and ensure they target only unlawful content
- Implement safeguards to protect against the misuse of these laws for political or other improper purposes
- Review and reform archaic laws, such as the Printing Presses and Publication Act 1984, in a manner consistent with international human rights standards
- Form an independent social media oversight body which involves stakeholders in different sectors
CSO Platform for Reform
AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
