Malaysia

The ruling UMNO-led coalition has remained in power since 1957 through electoral manipulation, censorship, intimidation, and use of criminal statutes such as the Sedition Act to silence critics. In 2015, the government passed a law permitting suspension of civil liberties in the name of counterterrorism and national security. Police abuse and impunity remain a serious problem, with torture and death in custody. Refugees and asylum seekers face discrimination and abuse, and remain unable to work, travel, or enroll in government schools. Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim remains imprisoned on trumped-up sodomy charges after a politically motivated and unjust trial. The government continues to persecute LGBT activists.

 

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