Civil rights group Article 19 has refuted Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's stand that "foreign activists" were the cause of the perception of crackdowns on free speech in Malaysia.

"Criticism of Malaysia's violations of freedom of speech and expression are justified not just by 'foreign activists' but by the many vocal civil society organisations, independent journalists and members of the public in Malaysia," the group said in a statement today.

It also called out Najib's statement that free speech is thriving in Malaysia, saying that it is in stark contrast with the repressive laws and policies imposed on Malaysians for their freedom of speech and expression.

Najib said this in his speech at the Wan-Ifra 16th Asian Media Awards held on April 19.

"Article 19 calls on the government to acknowledge and address the diminishing space for freedom of expression in the country and to ensure that freedom of expression is adequately safeguarded, as guaranteed under Article 10(a) of the Federal Constitution, by reversing repressive legislation and policies," the group said...