We, the undersigned civil society organisations and individuals, strongly condemn and question the justification behind the actions of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the Madani Government in commencing investigations against several activists, academics, and political researchers under Section 124B of the Penal Code on the grounds of alleged “activities detrimental to parliamentary democracy.” We are of the view that this action clearly constitutes a form of intimidation and a serious attempt to silence the voices of citizens from criticising the government lawfully and based on facts.
At the time of writing, PDRM has summoned representatives from The Center to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4 Center), BERSIH, as well as several academics, researchers, and political analysts including Associate Professor Dr. Syaza Syukri (IIUM), Dr. Mazlan Ali (UTM), and Aziff Azuddin (IMAN Research). According to a statement from the police, a total of 14 individuals have been questioned. We have also received information that more individuals are expected to be called in by PDRM in the near future, raising concerns that a broader operation may be underway to investigate and profile critical voices within civil society and academics.
PDRM reportedly asked numerous questions during the investigations in an attempt to link individuals and organisations named in an email currently under investigation. A total of 80 questions were posed, covering issues such as criticisms previously directed at the government, sources of information, funding sources, the formation of groups established to criticise the government, the impact of such criticisms on public perception, when individuals first heard of alleged attempts to topple the Prime Minister, and various other questions seeking to associate these activists and academics with alleged unlawful attempts to bring down the government.
In addition, in its statement on 13 March, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) stated that they are currently tracking down several key witnesses and alleged that these witnesses are travelling abroad. Is PDRM attempting to create the impression or perception that these witnesses are trying to flee and evade questioning because they have committed wrongdoing?
These developments are deeply concerning for the state of freedom of expression and the right to criticise the government, including enforcement institutions such as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), which itself lacks strong and independent oversight mechanisms. The pattern of questioning suggests that criticism of the government is being framed as a threat to the state. Such an approach is dangerous and entirely inconsistent with the principles of a mature democracy.
We fear that commentary, analysis, and criticism based on available information, reasoned arguments, and constructive recommendations for reform may now be interpreted as activities that threaten parliamentary democracy or attempts to topple the government. In reality, much of the criticism directed at the government — particularly toward the MACC in the context of anti-corruption efforts in Malaysia — is intended to strengthen democratic and enforcement institutions through meaningful checks and balances that prevent any single individual from wielding excessive power.
In light of this, we wish to state firmly our demands to the Madani Government:
1. Immediately cease the intimidation of activists and members of the public through the use of Section 124B of the Penal Code to investigate individuals who are exercising their right to speak out. Such actions only suppress freedom of expression and academic freedom. Legitimate and well-founded criticism should never be construed as an activity that undermines parliamentary democracy. On the contrary, such criticism and views are intended to strengthen Malaysia’s parliamentary democracy. This principle lies at the very foundation of democratic governance, and the Federal Constitution guarantees the freedom of citizens to express their views under Article 10.
2. Ensure full transparency and clear disclosure regarding the intent, purpose, and scope of this investigation. Ambiguity or failure to provide adequate explanation will only deepen the existing trust deficit toward public institutions. In such circumstances, the investigative process itself risks being perceived as a form of entrapment against citizens who speak out, raising serious concerns about procedural fairness and the institutional integrity of the authorities involved.
3. The Madani Government must not allow the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) or any other enforcement agencies to be weaponised against individuals or groups simply because those in power are uncomfortable with criticism or differing views. Enforcement institutions must remain independent, professional, and free from political interference, operating strictly in accordance with the law and in the interest of the public — not as instruments used to suppress critical voices.
The use of national security provisions such as Section 124B against civil society activists and academics will only reinforce the perception that the government is reverting to old practices — using the machinery of the state to silence critics.
We must also ask whether the Madani Government, particularly Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, has forgotten that he himself was once among the most vocal critics of the government. At one time, he too was labelled with various accusations — from being called a CIA agent to a Zionist agent — in an attempt to create the perception that he and his allies were influenced by foreign actors seeking to destabilise the country. Yet today, the Madani Government appears to be using similar narratives and tactics to silence criticism from civil society organisations, academics, and political analysts. Is this not the greatest form of hypocrisy?
We therefore call on the Madani Government to not weaponise PDRM and other enforcement agencies against parties when uncomfortable with legitimate criticisms they put forth. This is the time for Malaysia to move forward by reforming enforcement institutions so that they protect the people — not turn their powers against citizens who speak out in the interest of strengthening institutions and democracy.
Issued by:
1. Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (BERSIH)
2. The Center to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4 Center)
3. Center for Independent Journalism (CIJ)
4. CSO Platform for Reform
5. Justice for Sisters
6. Lawyers for Liberty (LFL)
7. Pusat KOMAS
8. Rasuah Busters
9. SIS Forum (Malaysia)
10. Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM)
Endorsed by:
Civil Society Organisation (CSO)
1. All Women’s Action Society (AWAM)
2. Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (ABIM)
3. Beyond Borders Malaysia
4. Borneo Komrad
5. Cahaya Society
6. Citizens International
7. Environmental Protection Society Malaysia (EPSM)
8. Family Frontiers
9. Federasi Pemuda Kebangsaan (FEDERASI)
10. Five Arts Centre (FAC)
11. Freedom Film Network
12. Gerakan Belia Sepunjabi Malaysia
13. Gerakan Belia Sepunjabi Malaysia
14. HAKAM
15. HAYAT
16. Islamic Renaissance Front
17. Jaringan Kampung Orang Asli Semenanjung Malaysia (JKOASM)
18. Jawatankuasa Hak Sivil – Dewan Perhimpunan Cina Kuala Lumpur Dan Selangor
(KLSCAH-CRC)
19. JEJAKA
20. Jentayu
21. Kuala Lumpur Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH) Youth Section
22. Lawyer Kamek (Sarawak)
23. Liga Mahasiswa UTM
24. Liga Rakyat Demokratik
25. MANDIRI
26. Pangrok Sulap
27. PEN Malaysia
28. Persatuan Pemangkin Daya Masyarakat (PPDM | ROSE)
29. Pertubuhan Rangkaian Pembangunan Kesinambungan Malaysia (SUSDEN Malaysia)
30. Pride In Research
31. Project Stability and Accountability in Malaysia (Projek SAMA)
32. Ruang Lawan Malaysia
33. Sabah Reform Initiative (SARI)
34. Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM)
35. Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia (SABM)
36. SPARC
37. Suara Mahasiswa UMS (SMUMS)
38. Tenaganita
39. The Instant Cafe Theatre Company S/B
40. Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO)
41. Undi18 (Persatuan Pengundi Muda)
42. Suara Siswa Universiti Malaya
43. Persatuan Kesedaran Komuniti Selangor (EMPOWER)
44. North South Initiative (NSI)
45. Martabat Untuk Semua Petaling Jaya (Martabat PJ)
46. Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP)
47. Teoh Beng Hock Association for Democratic Advancement (TBH-ADA)
48. Monitoring Sustainability of Globalisation (MSN)
49. Women for Equality Association (WEA)
Individuals
1. Abdul Basit Hisyam bin Abu Khairi
2. Abu Khairi bin Mat Hopi
3. Adriana Abu
4. Anne James
5. Bina Ramanand
6. Edmund Terence Gomez
7. Foong Kok Leong
8. Haslinah Binti Yacob
9. Irdina Zahari
10. Kent
11. Liyana Pillai
12. Maha Balakrishnan
13. Mahi Ramakrishnan
14. Mohd Hafiz Chai Bin Abdullah
15. Mohd Khairul Nidzam
16. Nurulhuda Abu Bakar
17. Omar bin Shawkataly
18. Ooi Kok Hin
19. Richard YW Yeoh
20. Rusni Tajari
21. Syaza Shukri
22. Tan Cher Kian
23. YB Hassan bin Abdul Karim
24. YB Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad
25. YB Onn Abu Bakar
26. YB Rafizi Ramli
27. YB Rodziah Ismail
28. YB Wong Chen
29. YB Zahir Hassan
30. Yuen Phooi Chee