Malaysian authorities are harassing Zulkiflee Anwar Ulhaque over a cartoon in which the cartoonist allegedly mocked a regional minister.
Malaysia articles on Democracy Chronicles
News about the struggle for democracy in Malaysia. Malaysia is not a functioning democracy. According to Freedom House, the "2008 electoral gains of the three main opposition parties came despite serious obstacles, such as unequal access to the media and restrictions on campaigning and freedom of assembly, which left them unable to compete on equal terms with the ruling party". Also see our section on World Democracy.
Malaysian Government Criminalizing Speech
Malaysia’s Government is Criminalizing speech. It arrested a prominent artist Friday under the notorious lese majeste Sedition Act.
Malaysia: Artist Fahmi Reza in trouble for insulting queen
Activist Fahmi Reza is in trouble for a playlist on Malaysia’s Queen asking critics if they were jealous she jumped the COVID vaccine queue.
Malaysia Must Revoke Authoritarian ‘Fake News’ Ordinance
The new ordinance makes it illegal to create, print, or disseminate “false news” about Covid-19 or the emergency declaration.
Malaysian Federal Court Decision a Setback to Media Freedom
A Malaysian court convicted news outlet Malaysiakini on contempt of court charges in a decision that marks a setback to media freedom.
China Model promotes ‘authoritarian modernism’ in East Asia?
Democracy has regressed in much of Asia though there are notable exceptions like Malaysia and Taiwan. Post looks at role of China in these developments.
Malaysia’s New Government Survives Tough First Year
Mahathir took office as Malaysia’s new prime minister and assumed the helm of a government under the Barisan Nasional coalition since independence .
A Year After Malaysia Elections, Fundamental Freedoms Still Restricted
A year after the electoral victory of the Pakatan Harapan coalition, authorities have failed to reform repressive legislation or expand civic space.
Ex-Malaysia PM Razak on Charm Offensive Before Graft Trial
Ex-Malaysia P.M pleaded not guilty to charges of criminal breach of trust, abuse of power and money laundering, over suspected multibillion-dollar fraud.
Sultan Abdullah Installed as Malaysia’s New King
Malaysia’s new king Sultan Abdullah formally assumed the throne during a coronation ceremony Thursday in the southeast Asian country.