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as a softened stance from the election pledge to repeal the law183. Another notable sedition case in 2023 is that of Wan Ji Wan Hussin, an independent preacher convicted of sedition in 2023 for remarks against the Sultan of Selangor posted in 2012 on his Facebook account184. The Court of Appeal affirmed the decision of the High Court rulings in 2018 and 2019 respectively, both of which sentenced him to prison terms185. In sentencing Wan Ji to nine months imprisonment, the judge remarked, “If you (want to) give religious advice, say it using good words. Don’t use inappropriate words, especially against the Sultan of Selangor, because now there are the 3R. Be careful with these sensitive words186.” The sentencing represented Anwar’s turn around on the law, 183 184 185 186 187 188 189 as he was quoted as saying in 2019 that it was “too harsh” and “inconsistent with democratic reforms187.” However, Anwar was silent following the affirmation of Wan Ji’s sentence by the Court of Appeal. In 2023, Razali Idris, an opposition politician from BERSATU, was also charged under the Sedition Act. Razali’s charges stemmed from a speech posted on TikTok in November 2023 alleging that the Malaysian AntiCorruption Commission and judges were controlled by the government188. Authorities viewed Razali’s speech as potentially affecting the public’s confidence in the country’s law enforcement and judicial system189. The film makers of Mentega Terbang were also investigated under Section 233 of the CMA, as well as under the Penal Code Section 298A for causing disharmony, and Section 505(b) for statements that lead to public Chin, Emmanuel Santa Maria. “Anwar Says Committed to Repealing Sedition Act When He Becomes PM.” Malay Mail, 24 Oct. 2019, www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2019/10/24/anwar-says-committed-to-repealing-sedition-act-when-he-becomes-pm/1803427. Anbalagan, V. “Preacher Begins 9-month Jail Term for Sedition Against Selangor Sultan.” Free Malaysia TODAY, 25 Sept. 2023, www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2023/09/25/preacher-begins-9-monthjail-term-for-sedition-against-selangor-sultan. “Why The Double Standard in Reaction, Asks Zaid After Wan Ji’s Imprisonment.” Free Malaysia TODAY, 27 Sept. 2023, www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2023/09/27/why-the-double-standard-in-reactionasks-zaid-after-wan-jis-imprisonment. “Wan Ji to Begin 9-month Jail Term for Insulting Selangor Sultan From Sept 25.” The Star, 25 Sept. 2023, www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/09/25/wan-ji-to-begin-9-month-jail-term-for-insulting-selangorsultan-from-sept-25. “PH, Anwar Morally Bound to Defend Jailed PKR Man Wan Ji, Says Lawyers Group.” MalaysiaNow, 26 Sept. 2023, www.malaysianow.com/news/2023/09/26/ph-anwar-morally-bound-to-defend-jailed-pkr-man-wanji-says-lawyers-group. Anbalagan, V. “Bersatu’s Razali Idris Charged With Sedition.” Free Malaysia TODAY, 24 Nov. 2023, www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2023/11/24/bersatus-razali-idris-charged-with-sedition. “Police Take Statement From Bersatu Man in Sedition Probe.” Free Malaysia TODAY, 20 Nov. 2023, www. freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2023/11/20/police-take-statement-from-bersatu-man-in-seditionprobe. 54

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Annual Report: Digital Rights in Southeast Asia 2023-2024

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Language

English

Topic

Digital Rights
Digital Surveillance
Information Operation
Internet Connectivity / Accessibility
Internet Restrictions

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DigitalReach

Date Published: Aug 6, 2024

Abstract: It is undeniable that information technology has significantly impacted human rights and democracy these days. Different governments around Southeast Asia continually attempt to control digital space through, for example, using repressive laws and regulations, forcing social media platforms to follow their orders, and using spyware and similar technology to surveil critics. In Southeast Asia, democracy and human rights have deteriorated because of these attempts, especially for countries under authoritarian regimes.

In order to better understand the situation, DigitalReach publishes annual reports to present and analyze the events and trends around the region. The 2023 annual report analyzes the digital rights situation in eight countries across Southeast Asia—namely Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam–from January 2023 to December 2023, with glimpses of key updates into 2024, given the timing of its release.

The report format has been changed completely from the previous years. In order to more systematically present the developments observed, the report is organized into three key areas: (1) Legal and Policy Developments, (2) Information Control and Manipulation, and (3) Threats Against Critics and Political Opposition.

From a regional perspective, legal and policy developments in countries that are known to restrict human rights are still mainly about using or coming up with new policies to further suppress human rights in the digital sphere. Countries considered to be more democratic also attempt to change or repeal their laws, but still without a clear sign of improvement toward digital rights.

In terms of information control and manipulation, social media platforms continue to be deployed for political ends, with different platforms serving a specific purpose for each country. The shift toward short video format, TikTok in particular, continued from 2022 to contribute toward information disorder, especially during election periods. The use of video shorts is important when targeting young voters, who played an important role in determining election results in Thailand and Indonesia this year like they did in the Philippines and Malaysia in 2022. State-sponsored cyber armies were also documented, while some governments preferred to assert more effective control of social media platforms. Other important methods related to the flow of information include suppression of media freedom and internet disruptions, which are particularly severe in Myanmar following the 2021 coup.

Judicial harassment is a key form of threat used against critics and political opposition in 2023. It is still common for people in Southeast Asia to be thrown in jail for what they say or do online. Others who do not subscribe to the government’s ideology face online harassment from state-sponsored cyber armies or government supporters. In terms of surveillance, 5 out of 8 countries included in this report have been found to have or are likely to have spyware technology.

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2023-Annual-Report-FINAL-1.pdf
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Myanmar Internet Project

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Annual Report: Digital Rights in Southeast Asia 2023-2024

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