Malaysian lawmakers approve Bill to broaden internet control

KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysian lawmakers voted in favour of broadening the government’s control over the internet, unmoved by criticism that the law risks suppressing dissent and free speech.

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil told Parliament on Dec 9 that the government needed to amend existing laws to tackle online harm including scams, cyber bullying, paedophilia and child pornography. 

“Freedom of speech does exist, but we are also given power through Parliament to impose any necessary restrictions for the safety of the public,” said Mr Fahmi.

The Bill imposes stricter penalties on content violations and grants sweeping powers to law enforcement, such as the right of any authorised officer to search and seize without a warrant. Service providers may also be held liable under the law, and compelled to disclose user data to the authorities during investigations of alleged violations. 

More than 20 consultation sessions were held with stakeholders in the drafting of the Bill, Mr Fahmi said.

Malaysia joins efforts by governments across Asia to clamp down on online platforms and hold Big Tech firms accountable for illegal content. From Kuala Lumpur to New Delhi and Canberra, officials are increasingly looking for ways to regulate or curtail social media, which can sway public opinion on politically sensitive issues. 

Big tech firms, including Meta Platforms, have said in the past they comply with local regulations, but argue that over-regulation endangers public discourse and places unfair burden on online platforms.

The House of Representatives voted 59-40 in support of the Bill on Dec 9. It followed a lengthy debate over details, including what constituted hate speech and the powers bestowed upon any authorised officer to act without a warrant. One parliamentarian abstained from voting.

“Who is that authorised officer? There is no description. Is it an anti-graft officer, or a normal clerk?” Ms Mas Ermieyati Samsudin, a lawmaker from opposition party Bersatu, said during the debate. “This is a huge power.”

Mr Fahmi in his response said that the law allows the minister in charge to authorise the officer. The Bill was eventually passed without any changes, and will be brought to the Senate for approval. BLOOMBERG