Human rights organization Fortify Rights has called on Malaysian authorities to immediately drop charges against Rohingya human rights defender Zafar Ahmad Abdul Ghani, warning that his prosecution under the Societies Act 1966 threatens to set a dangerous precedent for refugee community organizing.
On Sept. 30, authorities charged Zafar Ahmad Abdul Ghani under Sections 42 and 48 of the Societies Act 1966, alleging that the Myanmar Ethnic Rohingya Human Rights Organization Malaysia (MERHROM)—where he serves as president—is an “unlawful society” due to its unregistered status.
The Registrar of Societies initiated the probe based on MERHROM’s social media activities and public statements.
Under Malaysian law, the Registrar of Societies maintains broad discretion requiring office-bearers of registered societies to be Malaysian citizens, creating structural barriers that make formal legal registration practically impossible for refugees lacking citizenship.
Zafar Ahmad Abdul Ghani and MERHROM have long advocated for Rohingya rights, opposed human trafficking and genocide, and supported democratic efforts in Myanmar.
His prosecution follows years of severe online harassment and death threats, which escalated in June 2022 when Fortify Rights and 64 civil society groups urged Malaysian police to ensure his safety.
Despite multiple official police reports filed by Zafar Ahmad Abdul Ghani, the government informed U.N. experts in March 2022 that no further investigative action would be taken regarding the threats against his family.
Fortify Rights cautioned that targeting MERHROM and Zafar Ahmad Abdul Ghani over organizational registration risks criminalizing essential self-help, advocacy, and community support networks across Malaysia’s refugee populations.
