For The Illiterate

So, I took a look a few posts back at some of the fun going on in China. I got a lovely response from Mr. Borden, and have done some more reading into freedom of speech and expression around the world. More specifically, in the world of blogging. Global Voices Advocacy, which has some very interesting articles, have had several up recently discussing the current state of affairs in Malaysia, and i thought i’d give a brief run down of some of the point that most struck me. Please forgive me if i’ve misunderstood something, and point it out.

Article 10 of the Malaysian Federal Constitution promises the right of free speech and expression, much like the first ammendment of the United States, and much like the first ammendment of the united states it has some exceptions. In the states, and example of this is if what is said or expressed will cause harm or death, like yelling “fire” in a crowded theatre when there isn’t a fire. Also, Libel and Slander fall under this exception as well. In Malaysia, the exceptions, based around the notion of protection the security of the federation, have led to the Malaysian Sedition Act 1948.

“The Malaysian Sedition Act 1948 curbs freedom of expression in Malaysia, by making it a criminal offence to say, commit an act or publish that which is seditious or having “seditious tendency“. It is not clear what the exact parameters of these terms are, but the Act has been used to curb, among other things, the citizen’s expression of dissatisfaction with the state. In fact, time and again, the government has used the offences under the Act to stifle criticism of leaders or policies.”¹

This act has also displaced the Malaysian Super Corridor (MSC) Bill of Guarantees, which was intended to provide protection of internet freedom to the people. As such, there have been several instances of bloggers being censored and persecuted.

For instance, a blogger, 50 year old Penarik Beca, was taken from his home for sedition after posting and altered version of the Malaysian Police crest and making rude statements about the Inspector-General of Police.

An online news portal editor has been detained, along with blogger, Abdul Bakar. Hell for kicks, check out this site and have a look at the ALERT written in bold text.

The severe online restrictions have led to some bloggers posting upside-down images of the Malaysian Flag as a sign of distress. “Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi was reported to have expressed regret over this movement in the blogosphere, calling it ‘evil’.”

“newspaper reports have stated that the blogger who instigated instigating the upside-down flag flying is under police probe . The news reports did not indicate if Sheih is indeed the blogger in question.”

Unfortunately, the blog responce to police action has not apparantly raised awareness in the government’s eyes. They’re responce, it would seem, is to get more strict. The Malaysian Foreign Minister has “called for the creation of a council or other form of mechanism to monitor bloggers.”

The subject is very interesting, and i highly recommend that you check out the following links for more info, especially the last one, which gives a nice overview of the situation.

Links:

• 1.Global Voices Advocacy » Malaysia: What exactly is sedition?

• 2.Global Voices Advocacy » Malaysian blogs fly flag upside down

• 3.Global Voices Advocacy » Malaysia: Deface If You Dare

• Global Voices Advocacy » Plans for action against Malaysian bloggers

-Orion