Human Rights Commissioner Kofler on restrictions on freedom of expression and freedom of the press in Malaysia

The Federal Government Commissioner for Human Rights Policy and Humanitarian Aid at the Federal Foreign Office, Bärbel Kofler, issued the following statement today (10 March 2016) on her increasing concern about the restriction of freedom of expression and freedom of the press in Malaysia:

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I am concerned at the increasing restriction of freedom of expression and freedom of the press in Malaysia. The decision to block access to the online portal "The Malaysian Insider" because of its critical reporting on the Government is just one example. In recent months there have been several instances of the Malaysian authorities trying to restrict independent reporting on domestic events. Journalists and private individuals who have voiced criticism of the Government have been deliberately intimidated through police interrogations and arbitrary arrests.

The announcement of possible amendments to the law which would allow the state tougher control over online media and content fill me with deep concern.

I call on the Malaysian Government to respect the freedom of the press, freedom of opinion and freedom of speech and to ensure that changes to the law are in compliance with international human rights standards.

Background:

On 25 February 2016, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) blocked public access to the online news site "The Malaysian Insider", because its reports on investigations into the corruption scandal with links to Prime Minister Najib allegedly caused "public confusion" and thus posed a threat to national security under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act. This decision is the latest in a line of several cases in which journalists and bloggers critical of the Government have been arbitrarily detained and interrogated.

Malaysian Minister of Communication Salleh has also announced that he is looking at changes to the Communications and Multimedia Act which would allow tougher control over the internet and social media. In addition, Attorney-General Apandi has proposed that the penalty for violations of the Official Secrets Act, such as the leaking of government documents, be increased to life imprisonment and 10 strokes of the cane.

from
http://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/EN/Infoservice/Presse/Meldungen/2016/160310_Kofler_Malaysia.html?nn=479796