Contrary to the Human Rights Watch 2014 World Report that Malaysia is backsliding on human rights, the government has said that Malaysians now enjoy wider civil liberties.

A spokesperson for the government pointed to the repeal of “outdated laws” like the Internal Security Act (ISA) which has been “replaced with laws appropriate for the 21st century”.

In a statement late yesterday, he said these new laws have also received endorsement globally, including by the US attorney-general.

“Under Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, civil liberties have expanded and outdated laws repealed ...,” he said.

“Civil liberties have been expanded through the Peaceful Assembly Act (PAA); post-election rallies and other demonstrations in the capital have passed entirely without incident, underlining the strength of Malaysia’s democracy.”

He also pointed out that laws on media licensing and political activity have been “relaxed” and that the government is committed to “replacing” the Sedition Act.

“The government remains committed ... to continuing the prime minister's reform programme.”

Last year the government had lifted the requirement for the print media to obtain and renew their annual publishing licence.

Critics, however, have slammed his as half-baked, as the requirement for an initial permit keeps media at the mercy of the authorities.

‘Tale of two Najibs’

HRW, in launching its global report yesterday, said that 2013 in Malaysia has been “a tale of two Najibs” whereby pre-13th general election reforms were overturned after the May 5 polls.

It cited, for example, the introduction of amendments to the Prevention of Crime Act last October, allowing for preventive detention without a trial. It said this has reversed the progress made in repealing the ISA.

It also noted that scores of activists are awaiting trial under the PAA due to charges relating to requirements on the giving of notice to the police, even though the rallies were peaceful.

The HRW, in its chapter on Malaysia, further condemned the remarks by public officials which have heightened public discrimination against the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

It also frowned upon the government's appeal in Anwar Ibrahim's “trumped up” sodomy case and the persecution of human rights groups like Suaram.