TELL THAT TO PAPAGOMO! Don't Use The Internet To Spread Lies - Rais

CYBERJAYA -- Information Communication and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim has cautioned all parties not to spread lies or spiteful matters which could be detrimental to the people through the internet, especially with the approaching 13th General Election next month.

He said the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), police and Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) were working closely to monitor and take the necessary action to curb the situation.

"We will implement a database and use it to investigate internet crimes. It is utterly necessary for us to have a composite database on all those who are deemed to be against the law.

"Our stance is to investigate such matters promptly and liaise with the police and AGC so that it's impact will be felt on a large scale and render confidence to the public," he said after launching the 2013 Creative Teen League at MCMC, in Cyberjaya, Monday.

Also present were the Ministry's secretary-general Datuk Seri Kamaruddin Siaraf, MCMC chairman Datuk Mohamed Sharil Tarmizi and National Film Development Corporation (FINAS) director-general Raja Rozaimie Raja Dalnish Shah.

Rais urged the public to report such cases to MCMC or the police.

Regarding the allocation of 10-minute airtime slots for the broadcast of each political party's manifesto on RTM's TV stations, he said the offer was still open.

"I encourage them to utilise it for the sake of our democratic process here. A lot can be covered within 10 minutes, giving the public an overall picture of each party's position and its stand on development, crime and other aspects," he said.

In his speech earlier, Rais said so far Malaysia's broadband coverage was 66.5 percent, with 4,000 villages with wireless connection and 300 telecommunication towers nationwide.

With such an achievement, there was a need for local talents to develop high quality content industry products such as drama, films and documentaries for potential export, particularly to ASEAN countries, he added.

"So I urge our teachers, FINAS and MCMC to develop a capable and creative group in order to elevate this industry," he said.

He also announced a RM5 million allocation to FINAS to be utilised within the animation and digitalisation sector in collaboration with MCMC.

The 2013 Creative Teen League organised by MCMC in cooperation with the Education Ministry, Broadcasting Department and FINAS is a short-film competition to discover new talents among secondary school students.

The competition is open from April 29 to June 21 and offers overall prizes worth RM200,000, including iPads, iPhones and digital cameras.

--BERNAMA