September 28, 2012
Freedom on the NET Status: Malaysia maintains “Partly Free” status
http://www.malaysiakini.com (09-27-12)
Malaysia has fallen eight places in the Washington-based think tank Freedom House’s latest Freedom on the Net report, which measures Internet freedom in 47 countries.
This places Malaysia on the 23rd spot, in the same league as Libya and Jordon, and maintains its “partly free” label in the think tank’s “Freedom on the Net Status”.
The ranking employed a demerit system (i.e. Zero being no obstacles to Internet freedom) to construct the rankings. This year, Malaysia picked up an additional two point and is now 43 of 100.
In the region, Malaysia (23rd) ranks behind the Philippines (7th place) and Indonesia (21st) but is ahead of Thailand (35th), Vietnam (40th) and Burma (41st).
One of the chief Freedom House complaints is the amendments to Section 114A of the Evidence Act 1950 which make intermediaries liable for content posted by anonymous users.
“(This raises) concerns that it would damper free expression online and open the doors to selective, politically motivated prosecutions,” read the report. Freedom House noted that the amendments were hurriedly rushed through passage and now allowed the presumption of guilt, shifting the burden of proof to the accused.
Evolving tactics of harassment
The report said although there were fewer defamation cases against bloggers and several earlier prosecutions had been discontinued, defamation cases against bloggers involving disproportionate request for damages threatened to chill online expression.
“In 2011, a number of bloggers faced legal harassment, intimidation, fine and brief periods of detention. No bloggers were imprisoned at year’s end, though several had charges pending against them,” read the report.
Freedom House said only one blogger – Mohd Nur Hanief Abdul Jalil – was arrested for referencing an alleged sex scandal involving a VVIP on his blog.
The penchant of ruling party figures using Facebook and other social media tools was also noted by Freedom House, but remarked that the use of “cybertroopers” to manipulate online discourse is on the rise.
The report also detailed attempts to cripple websites at crucial political moments, such as the April 2011 denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks on Malaysiakini and again in July 2011.
“Although the attacks have not been conclusively traced to the government, some observers believe they were either sponsored or condoned by Malaysian security agencies,” read the report.The full report can be downloaded here.
Din Merican: the Malaysian DJ Blogger 
The employment of cybertroopers by any party is not necessarily negative as long as they keep within the bounds of the laws. The internet is already full of cybertroopers and it is up to readers to make up their own minds.
With the available technology any hackers, with intentions only known to themselves, can intrude into any websites and even deny their services at times of their choice – no finger-pointing & accusations should be directed against anyone without concrete proof.
The amendments to Section 114A of the Evidence Act will make bloggers more careful & responsible and will generally serve the good interests of the reading public. Sincere constructive criticisms and allegations of wrong-doings with the appropriate & concrete proof will not be in anyway compromised by the introduction of the amendment to Section 114A but it will stop wild & irresponsible accusations. If the new Section 114A resulted in Malaysia being placed low by the Freedom House – so be it.
The next government after the 13th election should restore the ubiased reporting to give a true picture to restore the unity of all races and to bring back the freedom of the press by reporting responsibly. Malaysians of different background are distegrated due to political parties with propaganda to win over voters with some NGOs supporting such moves.
”If the new Section 114A resulted in Malaysia being placed low by the Freedom House – so be it.” isn’t wonderful? why bother what others say, we live in our coconut shell. as long as we are the ‘ketuanans’ everything is Okay!
yes hussin, its an insult to our intelligence.
for a nation of the blind the one-eyed Jack is the King!
“The amendments to Section 114A of the Evidence Act will make bloggers more careful & responsible and will generally serve the good interests of the reading public.” — Hussin
The same school of thought that says it is OK to rob Paul and pay Peter. As if that is not bad enough, now you want to make Paul pay for what Peter does. Should anybody be surprised that Hussin is confused as to how matters concerning Paul and Peter have anything to do with him?
I have read so many comments in your blog that have used vulgar language including four letter words to denounce leaders. Why cant they be civilised and go to the point.
Freedom of speech must go with responsibility. If you want to throw stone at a glass house, please do not hide your hand.
Many have accused, denounced and said all sorts of statements without accountability.
If you believe in something, state your name.
It is easy to accuse someone and hide your identity.
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Dato’ Syed, that is the ideal where commenters use their real names as you and I do.But I agree with you that foul or vulgar language should never be used. I have tried my best to delete or edit foul language. Sometimes, such comments with foul language or derogatory terms escape my attention.
People are getting frustrated at a government which does not take their concerns. It is time for the present government listen, otherwise it will get a severe beating in the next general elections. My sources indicate that both the Special Branch and Military Intelligence have alerted the Prime Minister of the possibility of a hung parliament. That explains why Najib is not ready to call for elections.–Din Merican
One can always express ones frustration without vulgarity. I hope you will stop publishing comments that use vulgar words.
I am frustrated too. City Hall does not care to repair roads with potholes, playgrounds that are not playable, rubbish not collected on time, and a host of other issues.
I do not have to use vulgar words to complain. If they continue to be complacent, I will certainly use the ballot to show of my displeasure. No need to use four letter words.
I hope Malaysians can voice their opinion candidly.