Following the ruling, the government appealed189. Media reported that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim defended the decision, saying that institutional reforms could not be based solely on court decisions but must be studied holistically before implementation190. According to the Center for Independent Journalism (CIJ) Malaysia, a human rights organization, there were 123 cases under Section 233 of the CMA in 2025, up from 99 in 2024. The law remains the most frequently used to criminalize free speech in Malaysia. The CIJ report also found that the number of cases under the 1948 Sedition Act increased in 2025, with 36 cases recorded, compared with 19 in 2024191. In December 2025, activist and graphic artist Fahmi Reza was arrested and charged after criticizing the Crown Prince of Johor, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, in a social media post. Fahmi has been arrested and charged multiple times in similar circumstances. In the post, he questioned why the Crown Prince was able to act with impunity and face no legal repercussions192. It is unclear which situation the post referred to. It was published shortly after Bullish Aim Sdn Bhd, a company chaired and owned by Tunku Ismail, launched a new cryptocurrency stablecoin, RMJDT. Earlier, the Johor Regent had drawn public attention for his alleged involvement in a scandal over the recruitment of seven football players who played for the Malaysia national football team 193. The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) accused them of falsifying documents to obtain Malaysian citizenship194. Media reported that Fahmi was detained on December 19, 2025, and charged under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act for acts with seditious tendency, and under Section 233 of the CMA for the improper use of network facilities or services195. The arrest followed a wave of police “Gov’t to Take ‘Offensive’, ‘Annoys’ Ruling to Federal Court.” Malaysiakini, 20 Aug. 2025, www.malaysiakini.com/news/752921. 190. Easwaran, Elill. “Reform Must Be Studied, Not Just Left to Courts, Says Anwar.” Free Malaysia Today, 21 Aug. 2025, www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2025/08/21/reform-must-be-studied-notjust-left-to-courts-says-anwar. 191. “A Report on the State of Freedom of Expression (FOE) in Malaysia 2025.” Center for Investigative Journalism Malaysia, 9 Dec. 2025, cijmalaysianet/a-repor t-on-the-state-of-freedom-ofexpression-foe-in-malaysia-2025. 192. Kamarulzaman, Zikri. “Fahmi Reza Targets Johor Regent; Death Threat, Police Reports Ensue.” Malaysiakini, 17 Dec. 2025, www.malaysiakini.com/news/763639. 193. Bedi, Rashvinjeet S. “Fans, Critics Say ‘Many Unanswered Questions’ on Malaysia Football Scandal, as Minister Defends Citizenship Process.” CNA, 9 Oct. 2025, www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/fifa-malaysia-football-scandal-minister-fans-critics-answers-5391751. 194. Solhi, Farah. “Tunku Ismail Defends 7 ‘Heritage’ Players, Says They Have Legit Papers.” Malaysiakini, 25 Oct. 2025, www.malaysiakini.com/news/759004. 195. Kumar, Datuk M. “Fahmi Reza’s Statement Recorded Over Alleged Insult to Johor Royal Institution.” Bernama, 19 Dec. 2025, www.bernama.com/misc/rss/news.php/news.php?id=2504626. 189. 47