How does this raid compare to past actions against news outlets?

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Raid on Malaysiakini Compared to Previous Actions Against News Outlets

The recent raid on the news portal Malaysiakini by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) on November 8, 2016, shares similarities with past actions, particularly the use of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 and the confiscation of equipment. This incident also draws parallels to the blocking of The Malaysian Insider earlier in the year, raising concerns among media advocacy groups about intimidation and restrictions on press freedom.
Similarities in Legal Framework and Tactics

The investigation into Malaysiakini is being conducted under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which pertains to the alleged improper use of network facilities. Notably, the Institute of Journalists Malaysia (IoJ) pointed out that this same legislation was previously employed to block access to the news portal The Malaysian Insider earlier in 2016. Furthermore, the physical act of confiscating equipment, in this instance two computers from Malaysiakini, mirrors a previous raid on the same portal on November 6, 2015, where a computer was seized following a report on a deputy public prosecutor's transfer.
Concerns Over Intimidation and Public Interest Reporting

Media advocacy groups have voiced strong criticism, viewing the raid as an act of intimidation against news organizations reporting on matters of public interest. The IoJ stated that the use of criminal laws for such purposes is unacceptable and suggested that aggrieved parties should pursue recourse through civil courts rather than resorting to actions that could be perceived as stifling media freedom. Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM) echoed these sentiments, describing the raid as a politically motivated crackdown on free media and expression, deeming the investigation under Section 233 for hosting video coverage of a press conference as absurd.
Precedent of Blocking Online News Portals

The blocking of The Malaysian Insider earlier in 2016 serves as a significant precedent for the concerns raised regarding the Malaysiakini raid. The IoJ specifically mentioned this instance to highlight a pattern of using the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 to restrict access to news outlets. This action effectively rendered the portal inaccessible to the public, raising questions about the broader implications for online media freedom in Malaysia and the potential for similar measures against other news platforms.

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How does this raid compare to past actions against news outlets?

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