KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 4 — Putrajaya’s move to tighten Internet controls is needed to “preserve Malaysia’s harmony”, newly-appointed Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak said.
Salleh also admitted that the amendments is needed since Putrajaya has failed to fully stop the public from accessing sites such as whistleblowers Sarawak Report, despite the block put in place by the Malaysian Communications And Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
“The use of the Internet is in line with the growth of the world but we don’t want it abused until it destroys the harmony of the country that has been built since independence,” Salleh was quoted saying yesterday by Umno-owned daily Utusan Malaysia.
“In the new media, it is not an easy process, like Sarawak Report. Although access was blocked, [the public] can still download their reports through Facebook and emails. So, with the new amendments, there will be some certain powers that will be amended.”
Since his appointment in the hasty Cabinet reshuffle announcement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak last week, Salleh has proposed amending the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 and the MCMC Act 1998.
Salleh said the amendments are needed to prevent crimes that might arise from abusing the Internet, and not to restrict the public’s freedom.
“Many said that the government will close the Internet, but this will not happen because it is necessary these days, in banking for example,” he said, trying to allay fears.
“They should use their whole power. Their action must not just be against Sarawak Report, but any social websites involved with threats. We chase them even at any website,” he added, referring to the MCMC.
On Monday, Najib had reiterated his call for tighter Internet controls after claiming that social media platforms are being abused by users to twist facts and news about his administration.
The prime minister urged local regulators in the MCMC to improve their monitoring of social media and said sterner laws were necessary to stop the spread of false news online.
Citing “national stability,” the MCMC had last month ordered all Internet service providers in Malaysia to block access to Sarawak Report’s website, pending a multi-agency taskforce’s investigation on corruption claims involving the controversial 1Malaysia Development Berhad.
Putrajaya had previously pledged to ensure no censorship of the Internet in one of the Bills of Guarantee while forming the MSC Malaysia special economic zone in 1996.
