The charges brought against the executives of the Malaysiakini group highlights the need for the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (CMA) to be reformed, said human rights group Article 19.

“The charges against Malaysiakini underscore why the vague and sweeping CMA needs urgent reform.

"The increasing use of this law to target independent media and any online criticism of the government is seriously concerning, and also a clear violation of international human rights law on freedom of expression,” said Article 19 director of programmes David Diaz-Jogeix.

On Monday, Malaysiakini chief executive officer Premesh Chandran, who was on sabbatical in the UK, was charged under Section 244(1) of the CMA following his return.