Status
CIJ’s work is grounded in promoting freedom of expression (FOE) as enshrined within the normative human rights framework. CIJ is positioned to work on a broad spectrum of issues and subject matters related to FOE in drawing accountability from the State in order to nurture an environment that would promote free speech, media freedom, combat censorship and protect our rights within digital spaces.
Through our media monitoring we have seen expressions that are critical, dissenting, and satirical – valid forms of expression – as well as the more serious violations such as making provable false claims, threats to another’s life, security or wellbeing and expressing hate speech or other harmful narratives.
While Article 10 of the Federal Constitution of Malaysia grants Malaysian citizens the right to freedom of speech, freedom of assembly and freedom of association, we still have a long way to go before we can say that these freedoms can be safely exercised by all. We have often monitored instances when oppressive legislations such as the Sedition Act, Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act (CMA), Penal Code Sections 504 and 505 are used to silence dissenting opinions and expressions.
CIJ in its part will monitor, document and make public related developments that threaten to limit our free speech or media operations, or infringe on our rights to express ourselves, share information, challenge, think, create, and explore ideas.
What Can We Do?
- Advocate for our Freedom of Expression by choosing to exercise it and pressuring the State to respect and acknowledge its universality.
- Show your solidarity towards human rights defenders and advocates who face resistance from the authorities for exercising their right to Freedom of Expression.
- Call out violations of our Freedom of Expression as a collective voice.
Where do I get information and support?
Contact us at cijmalaysia@cijmalaysia.net or any of our social media platforms if you need informational or legal support.
Facebook: facebook.com/CIJ.MY
Instagram: instagram.com/cij_malaysia
Twitter: twitter.com/CIJ_Malaysia
Other Resources
Online Film Screening and Discussion: Film Censorship Act and the Silencing of Alternative Voices
One-year Review of the PN government
Flashmob Protest March at Parliament #BukaParlimen Campaign