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Sat, February 8, 2025
[ Sat, Feb 08th ] - MSN
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'One wrong step': Malaysia's careful comedians lament narrowing space for laughter


Published on 2025-02-08 03:44:10 - MSN
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  • Malaysian stand-up comedy is being muzzled by an increasingly censorious social media amid heightened sensitivities over race and religion A joke about ham, a death threat and a wave of manufactured outrage.

The article from MSN discusses the challenges faced by comedians in Malaysia due to the country's strict laws on race, religion, and royalty, known as the "3R" issues. Comedians like Rizal van Geyzel and Shankar R Santhiram are navigating a narrowing space for humor, where even slight missteps can lead to legal repercussions or public backlash. The piece highlights how the political climate, especially with upcoming elections, has made the environment even more sensitive. Comedians are now more cautious, often self-censoring to avoid offending any community or facing legal action. The article also touches on the broader implications for freedom of speech in Malaysia, where the government's control over what can be said publicly is tightening, affecting not just comedy but also other forms of expression. This situation has led to a culture where humor must tread carefully, often resulting in a less vibrant and more restrained comedic scene.

Read the Full MSN Article at:
[ https://www.msn.com/en-xl/entertainment/general/one-wrong-step-malaysia-s-careful-comedians-lament-narrowing-space-for-laughter/ar-AA1yDEcn ]