Malaysian government tightens repression

Following on from recent protests against government corruption, the Malaysian government this week made use of the draconian Sedition Act to try and stifle dissent. The use of the Sedition Act by the Malaysian government has increased over the last few years. The well-known human rights and labour activist S. Arutchelvan (Arul), was arrested under the Sedition Act earlier this year for making comments on the trial of former Minister Anwar Ibrahim. This week, his lawyers confirmed that the Malaysian government will proceed to charge him under the Sedition Act. Arul is now facing up to three years in jail.

Following on from recent protests against government corruption, the Malaysian government this week made use of the draconian Sedition Act to try and stifle dissent. The use of the Sedition Act by the Malaysian government has increased over the last few years. The well-known human rights and labour activist S. Arutchelvan (Arul), was arrested under the Sedition Act earlier this year for making comments on the trial of former Minister Anwar Ibrahim. This week, his lawyers confirmed that the Malaysian government will proceed to charge him under the Sedition Act. Arul is now facing up to three years in jail.