The Malaysian Parliament has passed the first reading of a controversial new internet law, despite growing concerns about its potential impact on freedom of speech. The bill, which aims to amend existing regulations to counter online harm, introduces stricter penalties for content violations and grants sweeping powers to law enforcement. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil addressed parliament, emphasizing the need to update current laws to combat online issues such as scams, cyberbullying, pedophilia, and child pornography.
“Freedom of speech does exist, but we are also given power through parliament to impose any necessary restrictions for the safety of the public,” Fahmi stated. Under the new bill, law enforcement officers would be authorized to conduct searches and seizures without a warrant. Service providers could also be held liable and compelled to disclose user data during investigations into alleged violations.
Fahmi highlighted that more than 20 consultation sessions were conducted with stakeholders during the drafting process. The proposed legislation follows ongoing debates over balancing public safety with the protection of free speech and privacy rights.
Controversial internet law sparks debate
Article 19, a group advocating for freedom of expression rights, has criticized and condemned the amendments. They argue that the bill expands the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission’s (MCMC) power to decide online content, compel service providers to provide user data, and suspend Content Application Service Providers (CASPs) for non-compliance. “They risk chilling free speech, eroding public trust, and enabling mass surveillance,” the group stated in a joint statement with other civil society organizations.
Article 19 urged the Malaysian government to reverse course, halt the subsequent reading at the Senate, and send the bill to the Parliament Special Select Committee on Human Rights, Elections and Institutional Reform for further review and consultation. The high absence rate of Members of Parliament (MPs) during the voting process has also raised concerns. Only 59 out of 222 MPs were present to vote in favor of the bill, with 40 voting against it and one abstaining.
The quorum was barely met, prompting netizens to question the commitment of the MPs and the state of democracy in the country. The proposed amendments to the MCMC Act 1998 aim to improve the roles and strengthen the governance and operations of MCMC, according to Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil. One significant change is the separation of the CEO and Commission Chairman positions, which are currently held by the same individual under the Act.
