CIJ warns of arbitrary arrests under cloak of emergency

• UPDATED 6PM | Added statements from Malaysian Bar and Labour Law Reform Coalition.

The proclamation of the state of emergency may lead to arbitrary arrests that may infringe on freedom of expression and other civil liberties, the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) warned today.

"Immediately following the proclamation of emergency, the Malaysian Multimedia and Communication Commission (MCMC) said it would monitor the spread of disinformation and statements deemed to touch on the sensitivity of royalty, religion and race and action will be taken under the law," CIJ executive director Wathshlah G Naidu said in a statement.

Yesterday, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong had consented to the Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin's request for a state of emergency until Aug 1 in the wake...