Pahang MCA Youth chief Wong Siew Mun is under police investigation for questioning the government’s mobile data collection — a move critics see as a dangerous crackdown on freedom of expression and citizen accountability.
KUALA LUMPUR, 18 June 2025: When MCA Pahang Youth Chief Wong Siew Mun posted a TikTok video on 6 June questioning the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission’s (MCMC) quiet move to collect mobile data from telecommunications companies, she never imagined she’d end up summoned by police.
But that’s exactly what happened.
This morning, flanked by her legal team led by lawyer Kamarudin Ahmad and about 20 MCA Youth members in a show of solidarity, the Pahang MCA Youth chief walked into Bukit Aman federal police headquarters to have her statement recorded.
The allegation? She dared to publicly voice what many Malaysians are already worried about — the creeping overreach of government surveillance and the shrinking space for dissent.
“The video I posted is based on facts reported by mainstream media and official statements made by a minister and a government agency,” Wong told reporters outside Bukit Aman, just before going in.
“I feel the government should not abuse the law to mute the voice of the people. I was merely voicing out the concerns of the public. I have no intention to instigate or disrupt public order.”
But the investigation against her suggests otherwise.
Weaponising the Law to Intimidate
Wong’s statement has put the spotlight on a broader issue: how Malaysian authorities have increasingly turned to the legal system to silence uncomfortable questions — particularly those raised on social media.
Lawyer Kamarudin Ahmad was blunt in his assessment:
“She did nothing wrong. She exercised her constitutional right to free speech,” he said, adding that there was no criminal intent in Wong’s post.
He called on the MCMC to withdraw its police report and urged authorities to stop what he described as “intimidation tactics.”
“This is a democratic country. Why should raising a concern based on public information be treated like a crime?”
Muzzling the Messenger, Ignoring the Message
Wong’s video, which went viral across TikTok and Facebook, questioned why the MCMC would require telcos to hand over mobile data of users — and under what legal framework this was being done.
Instead of addressing those valid questions, the government responded with silence — and now, apparent retaliation.
“When the public voices out its grievances, I urge the government to look into its weaknesses and enhance its policies, not find ways to silence us,” Wong said.
Her statement resonates with many Malaysians who have watched with unease as voices of dissent — from students to journalists to opposition leaders — are increasingly being hauled up for questioning over online content.
Present at the scene were other MCA figures including publicity bureau head Chan Quin Er, deputy Ivone Low, and Selangor Youth representative Tan Jie Sen — underscoring that Wong is not standing alone.
A Dangerous Precedent Voiced By Many, Not Just MCA
Civil society organisations have raised alarms about the implications of the government’s actions.
According to Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM), the government has yet to provide transparent legal justification for mass data collection initiatives. “If there is no opt-in mechanism or proper legislative oversight, this is a violation of privacy rights enshrined in our Constitution,” a recent SUARAM statement read.
Similarly, the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) issued a reminder: “Investigating a person for citing public information and expressing concern sets a dangerous precedent. It sends a chilling message to others — speak up, and you could be next.”
As of now, the MCMC has not issued a public comment on the investigation into Wong Siew Mun.
What’s Next?
Wong has vowed not to back down.
“I will cooperate with the police, but I will not be cowed into silence,” she said defiantly.
Whether the government chooses to escalate the case further — or quietly withdraws after public pressure mounts — remains to be seen. But the message has already been sent: in today’s Malaysia, questioning authority, even based on facts, can come at a personal cost.
And for many watching this unfold, the real issue isn’t Wong’s video — it’s the system’s reaction to it. – NMH
* this article is supported by Ai
Datin Hasnah is the co-founder and CEO of New Malaysia Herald based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
With an extensive background in mass communication and journalism, she works on building up New Malaysia Herald and it’s partner sites. A tireless and passionate evangalist, she champions autism studies and support groups.
Datin Hasnah is also the Editor in Chief of New Malaysia Herald.
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