We the undersigned, urge the Prime Minister of Malaysia to withdraw the nine counts of sedition against Zulkiflee 'Zunar' SM Anwarul Haque and abolish the Sedition Act (1948).

Over the past two years, the Sedition Act has increasingly become a tool for suppressing free speech across Malaysia. Numerous journalists, government officials and other critical voices have been charged under the guise of sedition, including political cartoonist Zunar.

Following tweets and a cartoon he published in February 2015, Zunar is now facing 43 years in prison if found guilty of nine counts of sedition. His case highlights the Malaysian government’s escalating use of this pre-colonial legislation to weaken and repress freedom of expression across the country.

Journalists, cartoonists and human rights advocates globally have advocated that the law is incompatible with the basic principles of freedom of expression, the practical workings of a free media and the needs of a modern democracy.

We call for all charges against Zunar, and all others charged with sedition to be dropped and the Malaysian government renew its commitment to freedom of expression in Malaysia.