Bukit Aman has issued a stern reminder for the public to practise responsible social media conduct, following outcry over a TikTok user’s reported arrest under the Sedition Act 1948.
The statement by federal police Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director M Kumar today, however, did not address the police’s supposed action against the woman known as “Jorjet Myla,” who is widely believed to have been investigated over a video criticising Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
Instead, Kumar highlighted that social media platforms have recently been used to spread seditious posts or comments, as well as provocative debates regarding government policies and current issues.
Such a trend, he said, not only affects harmony online but also creates an unhealthy virtual ecosystem and has the potential to trigger tension among the community if not curbed through enforcement.
“In relation to this, the public is reminded to use social media prudently and responsibly,” Kumar said.
“Freedom of speech is not a licence to spread statements containing insults, defamation, or provocation that could potentially threaten harmony, peace, and public order.
“Firm action will be taken against any individual found misusing any network facilities, network services, or application services for illegal purposes,” he stressed.
Kumar referenced Section 3(1)(a) of the Sedition Act, which defines a “seditious tendency” as a tendency to bring into hatred or contempt, or to excite disaffection against any ruler or government.
He also cited CID statistics detailing that between January and March this year, 30 cases were recorded and investigated under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act for committing or attempting to commit a seditious act against the royal institution, races, the administration of justice, and the government.
The punishment for the offence is a fine of up to RM5,000, a maximum prison term of three years, or both for first-time offenders.
He added that the cooperation of all parties is necessary to ensure digital spaces remain safe platforms while fostering a communication culture that is mature, factual, and mutually respectful for overall social well-being and national stability.
Wave of criticism
On Tuesday, Malaysiakini reported that the TikTok user’s arrest had sparked a wave of criticism from Perikatan Nasional and its supporters, who took to social media to condemn it.
Among others, PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari said the arrest was inconsistent with Pakatan Harapan’s past stance against the Sedition Act, warning that the move could create a climate of fear.
PKR’s Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Abdul Karim had also urged police to disclose whether Myla had indeed been arrested, following the police’s continued silence for more than 24 hours after repeated press queries.
Yesterday, human rights lawyer Zaid Malek said it is “highly concerning” that police have opted to remain mum on the matter despite attempts by the media to confirm the woman’s arrest and obtain information on the case.
He said the police’s refusal to disclose pertinent information regarding a matter of national interest to the public is a “blatant attempt” by the enforcement authorities to decide what matters the press can or cannot report.
“By all accounts, it seems that the government is trying to bury this story, and by extension halt the public discourse on this issue,” Zaid said in a statement to Malaysiakini.
Part of reform agenda
DAP Women’s legal bureau chief, Sangeet Kaur Deo, also reminded the government that repealing the Sedition Act was a part of the Madani reform agenda.
Earlier today, Suhakam described the reported arrest as a “disproportionate and unlawful measure”, stressing that such criminal sanctions risk creating a “chilling effect” on free speech in the nation.
Emphasising that public officials must be prepared to tolerate a higher degree of scrutiny and criticism, the commission said using criminal law to shield public figures from criticism is inconsistent with democratic principles and undermines public confidence in governance.
In January, Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the Sedition Act is only used for cases involving insults to the royal institution and instances that threaten national sovereignty.
Human rights group Suaram, however, noted in a report that half of the sedition probes in 2025 were over criticism of political leaders. - Mkini
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