Malaysian academics are increasingly practising self-censorship out of fear that discussions touching on race, religion, and royalty (3R) could trigger public backlash, harassment, or accusations that may jeopardise their careers and work.

In a recent “Explain Sikit, Kini” podcast discussing the role of public intellectuals, two academics said the boundaries surrounding so-called sensitive issues in Malaysia have become increasingly vague, particularly in the age of social media and rapid information sharing.

They warned that...