POTA and freedom of speech in Malaysia

 No News Is Bad News

Idi Amin’s skewered definition of freedom of speech is now very, very real in Malaysia!!!

POTA and freedom of speech in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 17, 2023: The Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) 2015 approved by Parliament (Dewan Rakyat) can be applied to inciters who hate the government on social media such as WhatsApp, Facebook, X (formerly twitter), blogs etc.

Prevention of terrorism is a good move and thing for the safety of the rakyat dan negara (people and country).

However, laws are known to be exploited and abused by the unscrupulous and there is no way to stop them from that for personal political agenda.

In short, POTA is a double-edged sword when exploited or abused.

Can’t Anwar Ibrahim’s Unity Government (UG - comprising PKR, DAP and Amanah) see the danger of POTA to freedom of speech?

So, if someone raises and points out an unjust issue or scandal affecting the federal government or politicians, can POTA be used against them?

Exposing wrong doings, corruption, abuse of power, etc - are those considered “terrorism”?

Certainly and clearly, POTA can be exploited and abused by unscrupulous politicians holding high public office to clampdown on any “unfriendly issue or scandal”. No?

Why then are politicians from both sides of the political divide so quiet about POTA and what have lawyers got to say about it? Why is no organisation challenging such a dangerous law to rakyat's rights and freedom?

What about the stand of our lame-duck print media and electronic media on POTA?

Imagine what the Taliban-like PAS can do to the rakyat dan negara if it comes to power? Perhaps, we might see this happening under the UG.

Freedom of Speech in Malaysia is certainly under threat with POTA in force.

No News Is Bad News reproduces below a message being circulated in social media:

No more sharing of news posting after this.

THE POTA ACT WHICH WAS APPROVED LAST NIGHT IN PARLIAMENT.

The Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) 2015 which has been approved by the Dewan Rakyat can be applied to inciters who hate the GOVERNMENT on social media such as Whatsapp, FB, Tweeter, Blog, etc. The police will arrest anyone who spreads defamation against national leaders, including those who alter the image of national leaders to create and instill hatred among the people!  Minimum POTA detention for 2 years.  Cannot be challenged in all Courts. The Detention Center on a 1000 Acre Island in the North of Sabah is ready to await its residents after the OPS POTA 2015 is launched soon.

*Be careful*...

*Even if you just cut and paste, you can be charged for distribution and dissemination.  So please take extreme care*

Attention all Chat Groups;

*Please STOP immediately from circulating any sensitive issues*.

Malaysian government has "Passed the Amendment" to the Sedition Act a few days ago.

Please note that its an offense now to "propagate" any material that is deemed to be of "seditious tendency".
Its heavier fine and jail term of 20 years.

Be careful what you send on social media.
Also note that intent is not necessary for sedition.

That means you can't say you didn't intend to spread or send the material to cause disharmony or cause anyone's feelings to be hurt.

You may want to forward this message to anyone who is unaware of this law.