COMMENT | Major amendments are underway to the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (CMA). The amendment bill was tabled for its first reading on Dec 2, 2024.

Nestled in the bill is an amendment to the infamous Section 233, used by successive governments to stifle dissent and criticism.

It has been wielded against activists, opposition politicians, and human rights defenders for posting “offensive” content with the intent to “annoy” another person.

The ridiculously low bar of merely having to prove a post is “offensive” with the mere “intention to annoy” has made prosecutions under Section 233 relatively straightforward, with many convictions resulting in hefty fines and even imprisonment.

The current law allows a fine of up to RM50,000 or imprisonment of up to one year.