KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 24 ― Malaysia’s internet regulator won’t be acting against alleged death and violent threats made online against the organisers and participants of a recent pet-a-dog, Communication and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek said last night, adding that it was the job of the police.
However, the minister said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will do its part to help the police in any investigation should the latter decide to act.
“That is the job of the police. Murder cases, these crimes are the police’s affair,” Shabery told reporters at Angkasapuri here.
“The police will take action, we will help the police if the crime is proven true… We will help with investigations. If wanted, we will help.”
Shabery said death threats and murder are already covered under the Penal Code enforceable by the police, which is why the MCMC does not have jurisdiction over it.
The “I Want to Touch a Dog” event organised by Syed Azmi Alhabshi last Sunday was held at the Central Park in Bandar Utama, Selangor and has become a huge controversy, dividing conservative Muslims from those holding more open views about the animal.
It drew nearly 200 volunteers and dog owners and gave Malay Muslims the opportunity to pet canines, an animal that many in the community regard as culturally taboo.
On Wednesday, news portal The Malaysian Insider reported that Syed Azmi has since received death threats and been labelled apostate for organising the widely-received event.
Most of the comments were posted in response to a post on the Facebook page of popular Islamic preacher Mohd Kazim Elias, said the portal.
Malaysia currently does not have any laws governing hate speech, relying instead on the controversial Sedition Act 1948.
The independent body National Unity and Consultative Council has proposed three laws outlawing hate speech and discrimination, but is opposed by right wing government supporters who claimed the proposed laws will undermine the rights of Malays and Muslims.
