THE Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) today condemned the arrest of Kean Wong, editor of the book, “Rebirth: Reformasi, Resistance, And Hope in New Malaysia”, under the Sedition Act three years after the book’s publication and immediate ban.

Its executive director Wathshlah G. Naidu described the arrest as indicative of how the state has used its authority to censor freedom of expression as enshrined in Article 10 of the Federal Constitution.

“This book was banned on July 1, 2020 under the the Printing Presses and Publications (Control of Undesirable Publications) Order 2020 as the government deemed it potentially prejudicial to public order, security, and national interest as well as contrary to law due to its subject matter which covers the 1MDB scandal and Malaysia’s political transition to the Pakatan Harapan government.

“CIJ deems that this case serves as another example of how the current legislation in Malaysia governing freedom of expression allows for arbitrary use of power by the state to censor the public at the expense of both the public’s interests and basic human rights.

“Thus, the arrest of Kean Wong after three years since the publication of the book, showcases the state’s commitment to suppressing the people’s ability to both inform the public and to speak out no matter how warranted,” said Naidu.

In 2020, the Home Ministry instructed the police to look into the book with a cover that is believed to be a mockery of the Malaysian coat of arms.

The book is a collection of articles, essays and political analysis about the 2018 general election.

Published in January, before the change of government, the cover of the book features a crocodile and a pale face with a naked baby sitting on top of it while being flanked by two tigers bearing human faces.

Then Home Minister Hamzah Zainudin said the book had violated the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act 1963.

Naidu urged authorities to release Wong with immediate effect.

She also demanded for the immediate repeal of the Sedition Act and a moratorium of its use pending repeal as well as all other acts that restrict freedom of expression. – October 16, 2023.