The fine on satellite television provider Astro, issued five years after re-airing an Al Jazeera documentary in 2015, clearly shows that the government does not tolerate criticism, says academic V Gayathry.

"It is clear that the government and political leaders do not tolerate any criticism, are engaged in vengeful politics, and are not interested in dialogue or engagement with stakeholders," she said when contacted by Malaysiakini today.

She explained that the fine on Astro was the latest in...