Malaysian Government: Criticize Our Internet, Go to Thai Prison
Murray Hunter, an Australian academic residing in Thailand, faces two years in prison simply for criticizing Malaysia's internet regulator. The Malaysian government, not content with its own criminal defamation laws, leveraged its regional clout to initiate proceedings in Thailand. This isn't just about protecting a government's image; it's about chilling free speech across borders, echoing
tactics seen in many authoritarian states where criticism is conflated with criminality. (£9,500 fine or two years in jail for hurting feelings.) Instead of investing in world-class digital infrastructure or transparent oversight, Malaysia opts for legal intimidation. It seems updating their internet is less of a priority than ensuring no one dares comment on its shortcomings. Funny how alleged
'defamation' always surfaces when the 'defamed' are too busy suppressing truth to bother with progress.