Abandon plans to amend CMA, groups tell gov’t
A report on several Malaysian human rights organizations and civil society coalitions urging the government to halt proposed amendments to the CMA. The groups cite concerns over lack of transparency, the potential for increased executive power to stifle online dissent, and the negative impact on democratic expression and women's rights.
“We are concerned that the proposed amendments are politically motivated with the sole purpose of imposing legal restrictions on the public’s right to access to political information and to freedom of expression."
“It is believed that the amended provisions would give the MCMC more powers to take down online content without proper oversight.”
Lamenting the lack of consultation on the government’s part with stakeholders, the group pointed out how the public will be most affected by the proposed amendments.
“We agree that the laws governing the internet need to be reviewed for them to have stronger provisions for privacy and protections for freedom of expression. But these are not being prioritised; instead we see a pattern of reviewing laws to extend the powers of the executive to conveniently target the media, political opponents and individuals critics.”
The statement was jointly issued by the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ), Persatuan Kesedaran Komuniti Selangor (Empower), Hakam, Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram), Sinar Project, Cilisos, Amnesty International-Malaysia, Lawyers for Liberty and Pusat Komas.
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