Malaysia’s government accused of using law to silence critics

Several Malaysian civil society groups have accused Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's government of using Section 124B of the Penal Code to silence critics. This follows police investigations into an alleged conspiracy to topple the government and sabotage national stability, announced in late February. The investigation, which carries a potential 20-year prison sentence, has expanded to include activists, academics, and political researchers. The civil society groups issued a joint statement condemning the police and the government's actions, questioning whether Malaysia is returning to a time when the government cannot be criticized. They specifically objected to the use of Section 124B based on "activities detrimental to parliamentary democracy." The groups are concerned about the government's use of this law to intimidate and silence dissenting voices.

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