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We put a human face on complex issues to hold governments accountable.

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Press Release

Malaysia: Stop politically motivated arrests under the Sedition Act

Malaysian authorities must immediately stop using the 1948 Sedition Act as a political tool to suppress opposing or critical views, Amnesty International said, following the arrest and detention of another opposition figure.

March 26, 2015

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Sheet of paper Report

State of the World 2014/2015

This has been a devastating year for those seeking to stand up for human rights and for those caught up in the suffering of war zones. Governments pay lip service to the importance of protecting civilians. And yet the world's politicians have miserably failed to protect those in greatest need. Amnesty International believes that this can and must finally change.

February 25, 2015

Press Release

President Obama Must Address Malaysia’s Human Rights Record

On the eve of President Obama's visit to Malaysia, Amnesty International USA urges him to publicly address the deteriorating human rights situation in the country.

April 25, 2014

Press Release

Malaysia: End harassment of key human rights organization

The Malaysian authorities are targeting a prominent human rights organization in what appears to be politically motivated harassment.

August 8, 2013

Sheet of paper Report

Annual Report: Malaysia 2013

Malaysia Head of state King Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah Head of government Najib Tun Razak Colonial-era laws which had allowed for arbitrary detention and restricted freedom of expression were replaced with new legislation which nonetheless failed to meet international human rights standards. Peaceful protesters calling for electoral reform encountered police abuses and mass arrests. At least 14 people continued to be detained without trial under the Internal Security Act. Background Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak's coalition and the parliamentary opposition prepared for elections, which the Prime Minister was required to call by March 2013. Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, who faced…

May 21, 2013

Press Release

Anwar Case Shows Why Sodomy Law Must be Scrapped in Malaysia, Says Amnesty International

The Malaysian government must repeal the criminal sodomy law used in a politically motivated attempt to bar Anwar Ibrahim from politics, Amnesty International said today after the opposition leader was acquitted by the country's High Court.

January 9, 2012

Press Release

Amnesty International Urges Malaysian Government To Abolish The Internal Security Act

The Malaysian government must halt detentions under the draconian Internal Security Act (ISA), Amnesty International said today, after the authorities said they had used the law to detain 13 people this week. Police arrested the detainees on November 13 and 14 in Tawau, a town in Sabah in eastern Malaysia. Seven are Malaysian, and the other six are foreign nationals. The ISA, which allows for indefinite detention without charge or trial, has been used to imprison critics of the government and opposition politicians as well as suspected militants.

November 17, 2011

Press Release

ISA Repeal is a Significant Step for Human Rights in Malaysia, Says Amnesty International

In response to Prime Minister Najib Razak’s announcement today that the Malaysian government will seek to repeal the Internal Security Act (ISA), lift all emergency proclamations, and repeal or review other restrictive laws

September 15, 2011

Press Release

High Court Decision on Malaysia Deal ‘Big Win’ for Human Rights, Says Amnesty International

Amnesty International has welcomed as "a landmark victory for human rights" the High Court decision stopping the Malaysia refugee swap.

August 31, 2011

Press Release

Amnesty International Welcomes Release of Malaysian Activists Detained Under Emergency Law

Amnesty International welcomed the release of six political activists, but called on the Malaysian authorities to free thousands of other detainees held under preventive detention laws.

July 29, 2011

Press Release

Malaysia: Police use brutal tactics against peaceful protesters

The UK government must press Malaysia’s Prime Minister on freedom of assembly in his visit this week, Amnesty International said today, after peaceful protesters in Kuala Lumpur were met with police violence and 1,667 arrests at the weekend.

July 11, 2011

Sheet of paper Report

Annual Report: Malaysia 2011

Head of state: King Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Head of government: Najib Tun Razak Death penalty: retentionist Population: 27.9 million Life expectancy: 74.7 years Under-5 mortality (m/f): 12/10 per 1,000 Adult literacy: 92.1 per cent The government restricted freedom of expression in electronic and print media. Detention without charge or trial continued as the Internal Security Act (ISA) entered its 50th year. Refugees, migrants and Malaysian nationals were subjected to judicial caning for criminal offences, including immigration violations. Under Shari'a law, three women were caned for the first time. Malaysia was elected to the UN Human Rights Council in May.…

July 5, 2011