The human rights situation in Malaysia saw little change from 2020. The final months of 2021 marked some positive developments such as the strengthening of the rule of law when courts ruled in favour of civil rights movements and newly established political parties.

A dynamic social media scene and surge in citizen empowerment appear to reflect an increased desire in parts of Malaysian society for strengthening democracy. Malaysia maintained the de facto moratorium on executions introduced in 2018, but courts continue to pass death penalty sentences. Malaysia was under emergency rule from January to August 2021 and in lockdown for the better part of the year.

Read the full report here: 2021 EU Annual Human Rights and Democracy Country Report.pdf (europa.eu)