Three years after book ban, cops arrest editor for alleged sedition

PETALING JAYA – An editor was said to have been arrested at the Dang Wangi district police headquarters, three years after a book ban.

In a statement, the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) said Kean Wong, who was the editor of the book, Rebirth: Reformasi, Resistance, And Hope in New Malaysia, was arrested allegedly under the Sedition Act 1987.

“CIJ sees this matter as indicative of how the state has used its authority to censor fellow Malaysians’ freedom of expression as enshrined in Article 10 of the federal constitution of Malaysia,” CIJ said.

The book was banned on 1 July 2020 under the Printing Presses and Publications (Control of Undesirable Publications) Order 2020.

At the time, the book was also the subject of an investigation where the book’s cover had allegedly insulted the Malaysian coat of arms.

Bukit Aman at the time said the statements of eight writers and the graphic designer had been recorded but Wong was in Australia as he was also a permanent resident there.

It is unclear at this point if Wong’s current alleged arrest is related to the coat of arms investigation.

According to CIJ, the book covers the 1MDB scandal and Malaysia’s political transition to the Pakatan Harapan government. 

“The arrest of Kean Wong after three years since the publication of the book showcases the state’s commitment to suppressing the public’s ability to both inform the public and to speak out no matter how warranted.

“CIJ implores the authorities to release Kean Wong with immediate effect so that they may demonstrate that they continue to uphold the rights bestowed upon the public by the federal constitution of Malaysia.” – The Vibes, October 16, 2023