Restrictive regulations, repression of opposition, and the degradation of civil liberties have all contributed to Malaysia's recent dramatic fall in human rights. Even though Malaysia has ratified a number of international human rights treaties, there is still a clear disconnect between commitment and execution. For example, political opposition and criticism of government policies have been suppressed by the Sedition Act 1948, which was first enacted to stop incendiary speech. This act restricts freedom of speech by putting journalists, activists, and opposition leaders at risk of legal punishment (Lynch & Willman, 2022). Similar to this, people have frequently been detained for extended periods of time without charge or trial under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA), which was created to counter threats to national security. Concerns regarding SOSMA's abuse were raised by the notable example of political activists who were detained under the law while promoting election reforms during the Bersih movement (Rahman & Singh, 2023). The degradation of human rights is further emphasized by discrimination against minority groups. For instance, systematic negligence and bureaucratic obstacles have resulted in the continued statelessness of thousands of ethnic Indians and Orang Asli (indigenous peoples), preventing them from accessing jobs, healthcare, and education. Further marginalizing this population is the ongoing criminalization of LGBTQ+ people, which is justified by cultural and religious standards. This has resulted in harassment and discrimination (Mahmood, 2024). These instances highlight the pressing need for reforms to preserve fundamental liberties, even though Malaysia claims to be a progressive, inclusive country. Destroying oppressive laws, promoting an open public sphere, and guaranteeing equitable treatment for all citizens—regardless of their nationality, religion, or sexual orientation—are necessary to address these issues. Only then can Malaysia's actions be in line with its human rights goals.