SIBU: The government needs to review the cyber law, including tightening and enforcing it to prevent abuse that could stir unrest, Assistant Minister of Youth Development Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said yesterday.
“Many of the postings were just mere rubbish or untrue, which at times caused some anxiety to the public.
“What Malaysia needs now is for MCMC laws to be reviewed, tightened and enforced.
“This is very important as we do not want the country to go into chaos due to irresponsible actions of some cyber users,” Abdul Karim, who is Asajaya assemblyman, said.
He was commenting on the call by Communication and Multimedia Deputy Minister Datuk Jailani Johari for Internet users to use the social media wisely and not create issues which could cause tension in society.
Jailani reportedly told users not to use the Internet to insult others, especially the country’s leaders.
Abdul Karim said: “In Malaysia, unfortunately, the government wants ICT penetration to go to every corner of the country but the government does not have the means to fully enforce those naughty users, who post seditious, incriminating, defamatory materials in the net.
“The government needs a relook into the cyber laws to prevent it being used for incitement, posting of seditious materials, pornography or materials that can create unrest.
“In China, if you post anything seditious against the government, next thing you know is that the government enforcement unit will be at your doorstep.”
Assistant Minister of Public Utilities (Electricity and Telecommunications) Datuk Dr Stephen Rundi concurred with Jailani’s view.
Dr Rundi advised all Internet users to exercise moral discretion and be more responsible to avoid social unrest which is detrimental to progress and harmony.
Agriculture (Research and Marketing) Assistant Minister Datuk Mong Dagang too agreed with Jailani’s view that Internet users should use the social media wisely for the benefit of the society and to maintain racial harmony.
“As the country progresses and becomes more developed, it is indeed important to post constructive comments and suggestions if we are not happy with certain matters or policies,” said Mong, who is Bukit Begunan assemblyman.
He added that the government was aware of its shortcomings, thus various measures were drawn or being implemented to address those issues.
“However, posting something that is insulting not only to leaders but citizens at large in my personal opinion is unethical and as far as possible should be avoided,” he said.
He added even if the person who posted it apologised later, the damage had already been done.
He stressed that it was important to maintain harmony and unity in our multi-racial society.
Nangka assemblyman Dr Annuar Rapaee pointed out that the social media should be used to share information and knowledge.
“It is not to be used to spin political issue and discuss childish and immature type of mentality,” Dr Annuar said.
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