Which laws will Malaysia prioritise for review or repeal?

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Malaysia to Prioritise Review or Repeal of 113 Laws, including Key Legislation Affecting Freedoms

Malaysia's government has committed to reviewing, amending, or repealing 113 pieces of legislation, signalling a significant effort to reform laws that impact fundamental freedoms. This extensive review includes acts such as the Communication and Multimedia Act 1998, the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012, the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984, the Official Secrets Act 1972, and the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971. These statutes have been identified as having been previously used to restrict dissent.
Moratorium on Sedition and Security Laws

In conjunction with the broader legislative review, the government has announced a moratorium on the application of several key security-related laws. These include the Sedition Act 1948, the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012, the Prevention of Crime Act 1959, and the Prevention of Terrorism Act 2015. This pause in application is intended to facilitate their subsequent reform or eventual repeal.
Repeal of Anti-Fake News Act and Press Freedom Safeguards

Further action outlined by the government includes the commitment to repeal the Anti-Fake News Act 2018. To bolster protections for the press, a Special Committee is to be formed. This committee will undertake a review of other legislation deemed problematic for press freedom, with a specific focus on the Printing Presses and Publications Act and the Communications and Multimedia Act.
International Human Rights Commitments Underpin Reforms

These domestic legislative reform efforts are occurring within the context of Malaysia's engagement with international human rights mechanisms, specifically its Universal Periodic Review (UPR) under the UN Human Rights Council. The commitment to reform these 113 laws aligns with calls from UN Member States for Malaysia to enhance protections for freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association, and to bring its legislation into compliance with international human rights standards.

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Which laws will Malaysia prioritise for review or repeal?

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