In a statement, MCMC said the court’s finding reaffirmed its position that while individuals are free to express opinions, “such freedom must be exercised responsibly and within the bounds of the law”.

“The right of speech does not extend to the making of false, malicious, or defamatory statements that harm the reputation of others,” it added.

According to MCMC, Hunter published a series of articles between April and November 2024 deemed to be false and defamatory of the country’s internet regulator.

MCMC lodged police reports in Malaysia and Thailand in relation to these publications which it said carried serious and unfounded allegations that misled the public and damaged the reputation of the commission.

The High Court’s ruling comes weeks after Hunter was arrested by Thai authorities as he was about to leave the country for a personal trip to Hong Kong.

The Australian, once a long-time resident of Malaysia, now stays in Thailand. He is known for his critical writings on Malaysian politics.