Pas Youth chief Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden has voiced concerns over the broad enforcement powers granted under Malaysia’s newly approved Cyber Crime Bill 2026, warning that the legislation must not become a tool that discourages people from speaking out.
While acknowledging that the Bill is necessary to combat increasingly sophisticated cyber offences, Afnan stressed that strong laws must always be accompanied by effective checks and balances. He said the public should feel protected by the legislation, while criminals should be the ones fearing its consequences.
According to Afnan, his greatest concern is the possibility that the law could be abused, causing ordinary Malaysians to hesitate before expressing opinions backed by facts. He maintained that enforcement should focus on genuine offenders rather than individuals who raise legitimate issues or criticisms based on evidence.
The Cyber Crime Bill 2026, recently passed by the Dewan Rakyat through a majority voice vote after being debated by 48 government and opposition Members of Parliament, contains 61 clauses targeting cyber-related offences. Among its key provisions are offences involving digitally manipulated intimate images and deepfake content created using complex computer systems. The legislation reflects Malaysia’s effort to strengthen its legal framework against rapidly evolving cyber threats.
Responding to concerns raised during the debate, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the Bill does not hand unlimited authority to enforcement agencies or override existing laws, including the Official Secrets Act 1972. He explained that its implementation would remain subject to strict legal procedures as well as checks and balances designed to safeguard the public’s privacy and fundamental rights.
Afnan also questioned how personal information would be handled if enforcement officers seized mobile phones, laptops or other electronic devices during investigations. He argued that clear safeguards are needed to determine which officers are permitted to access private data, how long such information may be retained, when it must be deleted, and when confiscated devices should be returned to their owners. Personal devices, he noted, often contain sensitive family photographs, banking details and medical records that deserve proper protection.
In addition, Afnan urged lawmakers to ensure the legislation does not unintentionally criminalise cybersecurity professionals who help the government identify weaknesses in official digital systems. He said IT experts who responsibly report security vulnerabilities should be recognised for assisting national cybersecurity efforts instead of being treated as offenders.
Summing up his concerns, Afnan compared the law to a police officer’s firearm, saying that just as a pistol is kept in a holster to prevent misuse, any powerful legislation must also include safeguards to ensure it is exercised responsibly. He insisted that effective law enforcement should go hand in hand with accountability to preserve public confidence.
