

Malaysia
The Barisan Nasional (BN) political coalition ruled Malaysia from independence in 1957 until 2018, maintaining power by manipulating electoral districts, appealing to ethnic nationalism, and suppressing criticism through restrictive speech laws and politicized prosecutions of opposition leaders. The BN lost to an opposition alliance in the 2018 general elections. However, a period of political turbulence and realignment in early 2020 culminated in a new governing coalition that included parties central to the pre-2018 regime. That government was resistant to governance reforms. Concerns about narrowing freedoms persist.

Freedom on the Net— Malaysia Country Report
Malaysia is rated Partly Free in Freedom on the Net, Freedom House's comprehensive study of internet freedom around the globe.

Freedom in the World — Malaysia Country Report
Malaysia is rated Partly Free in Freedom in the World 2023, Freedom House's annual study of political rights and civil liberties worldwide.
News & Perspectives on Malaysia
NEW REPORT: Freedom in the Asia-Pacific Region Improved Slightly in 2022
Press release
March 9, 2023
United States: Political Interference with Prosecutions Threatens Rule of Law
Press release
June 24, 2020