Between Tradition and Modernity

In Malaysia, the constitutionally guaranteed freedom of expression is severely restricted in practice. Malaysia has been one of the lowest ranked countries in terms of freedom of expression and freedom of the press for years.¹ The spectacular parliamentary elections in 2018, which ended a national-conservative coalition government that had lasted for more than six decades, gave reason for hope: the new government alliance under Prime Minister Mahatir Mohamad promised, among other things, to reform the restrictive media laws. However, only a few of the reform plans have been implemented to date. In July 2019, the chairman of the censorship authority LPF declared that the introduction of a new film classification system would lead to a decline in censorship measures in the future. Is Malaysia on the way to abolishing censorship?