Voting isn’t enough anymore — Aziff Azuddin dlvr.it/TSG5P2

That feeling when your 20s are behind you and you're starting to come to terms with the fact that you probably won't get to live the dream life you wanted SUNSET SOMEWHERE Filmmaker Chris Jarvis in attendance Wed, April 22 6pm The Screening Room #AziFF #SunsetSomewhere #Tucson

We second this! Watch your new favorites at the 34th Arizona International Film Festival April 17-26! #AzIFF #Tucson

Hey! We are going along! #AzIFF Mascot Indie is THE FIRST FILM FESTIVAL MASCOT going to space! #IndieSez "Can I have a window seat?" Good luck! Have fun! Can't wait until you are back! #NASA #Artemis #Rise !!!

A radical Quaker dwarf abolitionist demanded an end to slavery nearly 300 years ago. The film is the prize-winning play The Return of Benjamin Lay. Mark Povinelli brings Lay’s moral outrage to life. Forgotten hero returns . #AzIFF #AzIFF34 #TonyBuba #BecomingBenjaminLay

Gabungan pertubuhan masyarakat sivil yang diketuai oleh Bersih mengecam tindakan polis dan kerajaan yang menjalankan siasatan terhadap aktivis serta ahli akademik di bawah Seksyen 124B Kanun Keseksaan. Menurut kenyataan bersama beberapa NGO, siasatan itu disifatkan sebagai satu bentuk intimidasi yang boleh membungkam suara kritikal terhadap kerajaan. Setakat ini, seramai 14 individu telah dipanggil memberi keterangan oleh Polis Diraja Malaysia, termasuk wakil NGO serta ahli akademik seperti Syaza Shukri, Mazlan Ali, dan Aziff Azuddin. Sumber video: youtu.be/bhB8hDjmbdQ #malaysiakini #malaysianpolitics #fyp #gabungan #pertubuhan #masyarakatsivil #Bersih #mengecam #tindakanpolis #kerajaan #siasatan #aktivis #ahliakademik #Seksyen124BKanunKeseksaan #NGO #siasatan #intimidasi #membungkamsuara #kritikal #PolisDirajaMalaysia

Joint Press Release 16 March 2026 Do We Want to Return to an Era Where the Government Cannot Be Criticised? We, the undersigned civil society organisations and individuals, strongly condemn and question the justification behind the actions of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the Madani Government in commencing investigations against several activists, academics, and political researchers under Section 124B of the Penal Code on the grounds of alleged “activities detrimental to parliamentary democracy.” We are of the view that this action clearly constitutes a form of intimidation and a serious attempt to silence the voices of citizens from criticising the government lawfully and based on facts. At the time of writing, PDRM has summoned representatives from The Center to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4 Center), BERSIH, as well as several academics, researchers, and political analysts including Associate Professor Dr. Syaza Syukri (IIUM), Dr. Mazlan Ali (UTM), and Aziff Azuddin (IMAN Research). According to a statement from the police, a total of 14 individuals have been questioned. We have also received information that more individuals are expected to be called in by PDRM in the near future, raising concerns that a broader operation may be underway to investigate and profile critical voices within civil society and academia. PDRM reportedly asked numerous questions during the investigations in an attempt to link individuals and organisations named in an email currently under investigation. A total of 80 questions were posed, covering issues such as criticisms previously directed at the government, sources of information, funding sources, the formation of groups established to criticise the government, the impact of such criticisms on public perception, when individuals first heard of alleged attempts to topple the Prime Minister, and various other questions seeking to associate these activists and academics with alleged unlawful attempts to bring down the government. In addition, in its statement on 13 March, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) stated that they are currently tracking down several key witnesses and alleged that these witnesses are travelling abroad. Is PDRM attempting to create the impression or perception that these witnesses are trying to flee and evade questioning because they have committed wrongdoing? These developments are deeply concerning for the state of freedom of expression and the right to criticise the government, including enforcement institutions such as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), which itself lacks strong and independent oversight mechanisms. The pattern of questioning suggests that criticism of the government is being framed as a threat to the state. Such an approach is dangerous and entirely inconsistent with the principles of a mature democracy. We fear that commentary, analysis, and criticism based on available information, reasoned arguments, and constructive recommendations for reform may now be interpreted as activities that threaten parliamentary democracy or attempts to topple the government. In reality, much of the criticism directed at the government—particularly toward the MACC in the context of anti-corruption efforts in Malaysia—is intended to strengthen democratic and enforcement institutions through meaningful checks and balances that prevent any single individual from wielding excessive power. In light of this, we wish to state firmly our demands to the Madani Government: 1. Immediately cease the intimidation of activists and members of the public through the use of Section 124B of the Penal Code to investigate individuals who are exercising their right to speak out. Such actions only suppress freedom of expression and academic freedom. Legitimate and well-founded criticism should never be construed as an activity that undermines parliamentary democracy. On the contrary, such criticism and views are intended to strengthen Malaysia’s parliamentary democracy. This principle lies at the very foundation of democratic governance, and the Federal Constitution guarantees the freedom of citizens to express their views under Article 10. 2. Ensure full transparency and clear disclosure regarding the intent, purpose, and scope of this investigation. Ambiguity or failure to provide adequate explanation will only deepen the existing trust deficit toward public institutions. In such circumstances, the investigative process itself risks being perceived as a form of entrapment against citizens who speak out, raising serious concerns about procedural fairness and the institutional integrity of the authorities involved. 3. The Madani Government must not allow the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) or any other enforcement agencies to be weaponised against individuals or groups simply because those in power are uncomfortable with criticism or differing views. Enforcement institutions must remain independent, professional, and free from political interference, operating strictly in accordance with the law and in the interest of the public—not as instruments used to suppress critical voices. The use of national security provisions such as Section 124B against civil society activists and academics will only reinforce the perception that the government is reverting to old practices—using the machinery of the state to silence critics. We must also ask whether the Madani Government, particularly Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, has forgotten that he himself was once among the most vocal critics of the government. At one time, he too was labelled with various accusations—from being called a CIA agent to a Zionist agent—in an attempt to create the perception that he and his allies were influenced by foreign actors seeking to destabilise the country. Yet today, the Madani Government appears to be using similar narratives and tactics to silence criticism from civil society organisations, academics, and political analysts. Is this not the greatest form of hypocrisy? We therefore call on the Madani Government not to weaponise PDRM and other enforcement agencies against parties simply because it is uncomfortable with legitimate criticisms raised by them. This is the time for Malaysia to move forward by reforming enforcement institutions so that they protect the people—not turn their powers against citizens who speak out in the interest of strengthening institutions and democracy.

Kenyataan Media Bersama 16 Mac 2026 Adakah Kita Mahu Kembali Ke Zaman Tidak Boleh Mengkritik Kerajaan? Kami, kumpulan masyarakat sivil serta individu yang bertandatangan, mengecam sekeras-kerasnya tindakan pihak Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM) dan Kerajaan Madani yang melaksanakan siasatan terhadap beberapa aktivis, ahli akademik dan pengkaji politik di bawah Seksyen 124B Kanun Keseksaan atas alasan “aktiviti yang menjejaskan demokrasi berparlimen”. Kami berpandangan bahawa tindakan ini adalah jelas suatu bentuk intimidasi dan percubaan yang serius untuk membungkam suara rakyat daripada mengkritik kerajaan secara sah dan berfakta. Sehingga kenyataan ini dikeluarkan, pihak PDRM telah memanggil The Center to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4 Center), BERSIH serta beberapa orang ahli akademik, pengkaji dan penganalisis politik seperti Prof. Madya Dr Syaza Shukri (UIA), Dr Mazlan Ali (UTM) dan Aziff Azuddin (Iman Research). Menurut satu kenyataan daripada polis, seramai 14 orang telah disoal siasat. Kami mendapat maklumat bahawa lebih ramai lagi akan dipanggil oleh pihak PDRM dalam masa terdekat, sekali gus menimbulkan kebimbangan bahawa satu operasi yang lebih luas sedang dijalankan untuk menyiasat dan memprofilkan suara-suara kritikal dalam masyarakat sivil dan komuniti akademik. Pihak PDRM telah menanyakan pelbagai soalan dalam siasatan mereka untuk menghubungkan individu/organisasi yang dinamakan dalam emel yang sedang disiasat oleh mereka. Sejumlah 80 soalan yang ditanyakan adalah berkenaan kritikan yang pernah ditujukan kepada kerajaan, sumber maklumat, sumber pendanaan, penubuhan kumpulan tertentu untuk mengkritik kerajaan, kesan kritikan kepada persepsi rakyat, bila pertama kali terdengar cubaan untuk menjatuhkan Perdana Menteri dan pelbagai lagi soalan yang cuba mengaitkan para aktivis dan ahli akademik kononnya terdapat usaha untuk menjatuhkan Perdana Menteri dan kerajaan secara tidak sah. Selain daripada itu, pihak PDRM dalam kenyataan pada 13 Mac juga mereka sedang mengesan saksi-saksi penting dan mendakwa saksi-saksi ini sedang bergerak ke luar negara. Adakah pihak PDRM ingin memberikan gambaran atau mewujudkan persepsi seolah-olah saksi-saksi ini mahu melarikan diri dan mengelakkan diri daripada disoal siasat kerana melakukan kesalahan? Perkembangan ini amat membimbangkan terhadap kebebasan bersuara dan mengkritik kerajaan, termasuk institusi penguatkuasaan seperti Suruhanjaya Pencegahan Rasuah Malaysia (SPRM) yang tidak ada mekanisme semak dan imbang yang kukuh. Corak soal siasat seperti ini memberi gambaran bahawa kritikan terhadap kerajaan sedang cuba diputarbelitkan sebagai ancaman terhadap negara. Ini adalah satu pendekatan yang amat berbahaya dan langsung tidak selari dengan prinsip sebuah demokrasi yang matang. Apa yang kami khuatiri adalah komentar, analisis dan kritikan yang berasaskan maklumat yang sedia ada, bernas dan memberi cadangan penambahbaikan dianggap sebagai aktiviti yang boleh menjatuhkan kerajaan dan menjejaskan demokrasi berparlimen. Walhal, kebanyakan kritikan yang ditujukan kepada kerajaan terutamanya SPRM dalam konteks pencegahan rasuah di Malaysia adalah supaya institusi-institusi demokrasi dan penguatkuasaan di negara kita diperkasakan dengan lebih baik melalui semak dan imbang yang berkesan, bermakna dan mencegah mana-mana satu individu daripada memegang kuasa yang terlalu besar. Sehubungan itu, kami ingin menyatakan dengan keras tuntutan kami kepada Kerajaan Madani: 1. Hentikan intimidasi melalui penggunaan wewenang Seksyen 124B Kanun Keseksaan untuk menyiasat aktivis dan rakyat yang memberi bersuara dan hanya menekan kebebasan bersuara/berekspresi serta kebebasan akademik. Kritikan-kritikan yang sah dan bernas tidak wajar dianggap sebagai satu aktiviti untuk menjejaskan demokrasi berparlimen. Malah sebaliknya, kritikan dan pandangan yang diberikan adalah untuk mengukuhkan demokrasi berparlimen di Malaysia. Perkara ini juga merupakan asas dan teras kepada demokrasi di mana Perlembagaan Persekutuan melindungi kebebasan rakyat untuk bersuara melalui Perkara 10. 2. Memastikan adanya ketelusan yang jelas serta pendedahan penuh mengenai niat, tujuan dan skop siasatan ini. Kekaburan atau kegagalan memberikan penjelasan yang memadai hanya akan memburukkan lagi defisit kepercayaan terhadap institusi awam. Dalam keadaan ini, proses siasatan juga berisiko ditafsirkan sebagai satu bentuk perangkap (entrapment) terhadap rakyat yang bersuara, sekali gus menimbulkan persoalan serius tentang keadilan prosedur dan integriti institusi yang terlibat. 3. Kerajaan Madani tidak mempergunakan PDRM dan pihak-pihak penguatkuasaan yang lain sebagai senjata terhadap mana-mana pihak jika tidak selesa dengan kritikan atau pandangan yang dibangkitkan oleh mereka. Institusi penguatkuasaan mesti kekal bebas, profesional dan tidak dipolitikkan, serta berfungsi berasaskan undang-undang dan kepentingan rakyat, bukannya digunakan untuk menekan suara yang kritikal. Penggunaan undang-undang keselamatan negara seperti Seksyen 124B terhadap aktivis masyarakat sivil dan ahli akademik hanya akan mengukuhkan persepsi bahawa kerajaan sedang kembali kepada amalan lama — menggunakan instrumen penguatkuasaan negara untuk membungkam suara pengkritik. Kami ingin mempersoal adakah Kerajaan Madani, terutamanya Perdana Menteri Anwar Ibrahim telah terlupa bahawa beliau suatu ketika dulu adalah pengkritik kerajaan paling lantang, malah pernah pun dituduh sebagai ejen CIA, ejen Zionis dan pelbagai lagi gelaran bagi memberi persepsi bahawa beliau dan pakatannya dipengaruhi anasir luar yang bertujuan menggugat keharmonian negara? Namun mengapa kini Kerajaan Madani menggunakan naratif dan taktik yang serupa bagi membungkam kritik-kritik masyarakat sivil, ahli-ahli akademik dan penganalisis politik? Tidakkah ini satu hipokrasi terbesar? Kami menggesa Kerajaan Madani agar tidak mempergunakan PDRM dan pihak-pihak penguatkuasaan yang lain sebagai senjata terhadap mana-mana pihak jika tidak selesa dengan kritikan yang dibangkitkan oleh mereka. Kini adalah zaman di mana kita perlu mengorak langkah ke depan dengan mereformasikan institusi-institusi penguatkuasaan bagi melindungi rakyat, bukan membenamkan belati kepada rakyat yang mengkritik dan bersuara demi penambahbaikan institusi dan demokrasi. Hidup rakyat! Merdeka!

All of the #AzIFF34 Bookmarks Mia & Indie had are gone! But, Indie left the last pair of FREE Comedy Shorts tickets at our friends Main Gate Square Booth! Last #AzIFF Bookmark in the stack & speciality marked to win! #TFOB scavenger hunt! #MainGateSquare #tucsonfestivalofbooks

Volunteer at 34th #AzIFF Meet Filmmakers! Watch incredible films! And yes... you get serious bragging rights! . Join the team that makes 34th Arizona International Film Festival happen! Volunteer spots OPEN now. Email Mia at arizonafilmfest@yahoo.com for details! #AzIFF34

Film Festivals don't just happen. They happen because of AWESOME volunteers! * Theater Hosts * Ticket Scanners * Q&As Helpers * Photographers * And MORE! Join the #AzIFF Volunteer Team! Email Mia at arizonafilmfest@yahoo.com for the application & more information. #AzIFF34

IT IS HERE! 34th Arizona International Film Festival Schedule is NOW posted on our website filmfestivalarizona.com . Tickets on sale later this week. Keep checking as we fill in the 4 TBAs! Congratulations to the #AzIFF Class of 2026! . #AzIFF34 Schedule is up! #FilmTucson

The impending Bukit Mertajam clash is a failure of state leadership — Aziff Azuddin dlvr.it/TRKSQj

TODAY. Later TODAY. The 34th #AzIFF film lineup drops — clear your schedule and start refreshing. Good luck to all. #AzIFF34

It's HERE! Our Choir Practice Teaser youtu.be/7UHiW4ZArEk?si=2m_R… via @YouTube #Tucson #filmmaking #AZIFF @AZFilmFest @filmtucson

Blizzards-Tucson Style As we (im)patiently wait for more Films to be announced, we will kick back and enjoy our Blizzards-Tucson style! . Keep checking #AzIFF social media, as more Film Titles get released this week! Cheers! . #AzIFF34 April 17-26 #Filmmakers #FilmFestival

Elvis wants you to submit to #AzIFF ! 34th Arizona International Film Festival Regular Deadline Jan 20 Late Deadline Feb 10 thru #FilmFreeway #filmmakersoftiktok #FilmFestivalLife #FilmFestival

On #ConsiderThis @Melisa_Idris speaks with Aziff Azuddin @aziff9 about a new @IMAN_Research report that offers insight into the aspirations & anxieties of Malay youth, a generation beginning to feel overlooked & disillusioned. x.com/i/broadcasts/1lPJqvWMZ…

Just like that, we are already halfway through September. Following the long Malaysia Day weekend, this week has been filled with back-to-back meetings and briefings. I had a very engaging discussion with His Excellency Rafael Daerr, Ambassador of the Delegation of the European Union to Malaysia, where we touched on a wide range of issues in Malaysia and the region. Ambassador Daerr may appear reserved at first, but he brings with him a wealth of experience and sharp observations. I have always enjoyed our quick exchanges at events and receptions, and I look forward to seeing Malaysia and the EU build an even stronger partnership in the months ahead. It was also a pleasure to welcome Mr. Pieter Blussé, the new Deputy Head of Mission (Deputy Ambassador) of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Malaysia. Together with His Excellency Jacques Werner, they quite literally form the “twin towers” among diplomats in Malaysia. Many thanks to Jasper for putting together an engaging dinner with Pieter, joined by Aziff Azuddin of IMAN Research and Shiang Yen Eow of Initiative to Promote Tolerance and Prevent Violence (INITIATE.MY). As this is Pieter’s first time to Malaysia, I am sure there will be many more conversations ahead on politics, trade, geopolitics and the economy. And of course, it is always wonderful to catch up whenever Dr. James To returns to Kuala Lumpur. This time, we were joined by Prof. Dr. Shakila Yacob of Sunway University and Sharaad Kuttan of BFM 89.9 - The Business Station, who shared invaluable perspectives on Malaysia and the wider region at a time of heightened political uncertainty and complex geopolitical challenges. The momentum continues into the weekend. Stay tuned, I will be moderating the final session at the East Asia Business Forum on Monday, just before the ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meeting kicks off here in Kuala Lumpur.

We are saddened to share the news that the incredible actor (and #AzIFF Alumni- THE BIRDS That Fear Death - 2025 #AzIFF Best Dramatic Feature Winner) Graham Greene has passed away. His impact is immeasurable.