The use of Malaysia's Sedition Act will likely attract substantial attention, both in and outside the country.

WSJ: Malaysia Arrests Activists

Thomas Jefferson called off all prosecutions under the Sedition Act when he became president, and pardoned those already convicted.

ECONOMIST: Executive authority v congressional oversight

Over the years, several opposition politicians and other government critics have fallen foul of the Sedition Act, a British law retained by Malaysia after it gained its independence in 1957.

ECONOMIST: Malaysia

Mr. Najib said last year the government planned to eventually abolish the Sedition Act, which was introduced in 1949 during British colonial rule, and replace it with new laws that would strike a better balance between allowing freedom of speech and ensuring public stability.

WSJ: Malaysia Arrests Activists