Since independence in 1957, the coalition of ‘Barisan Nasional’ has governed Malaysia continuously. In a worrying development given the government’s past use of the Internal Security Act (ISA), four leading opposition activists and politicians have been arrested and charged under the country’s sedition laws. Since the May 5 general elections, political tensions have been heightened amid allegations of electoral fraud. It is clear that the Sedition Act is being used to stifle dissent. This is a worrying sign for the ability of workers in Malaysia to organise freely in the future.
Since independence in 1957, the coalition of ‘Barisan Nasional’ has governed Malaysia continuously. In a worrying development given the government’s past use of the Internal Security Act (ISA), four leading opposition activists and politicians have been arrested and charged under the country’s sedition laws. Since the May 5 general elections, political tensions have been heightened amid allegations of electoral fraud. It is clear that the Sedition Act is being used to stifle dissent. This is a worrying sign for the ability of workers in Malaysia to organise freely in the future.
