China-style censorship blocking KiniTV videos

Access to KiniTV videos have been restricted by local ISPs in what some technology experts have described as ‘China-style censorship'.

The two videos on the interview with A Santamil Selvi, the widow of private investigator P Balasubramaniam, on the events relating to the Altantuya Shaariibuu murder, are not available when accessed through most local ISPs. 

Two independent investigations - one by Rizvan R and another bySinar Project - have shown that the censorship that occurs when one accesses YouTube servers, which are likely to be hosted by TMnet. 

However, the videos can be watched via YES YTL and Time Internet without a problem. Malaysiakini has alerted TM of the problem and are awaiting their response.

Stay out of politics, ISPs warned

Malaysiakini CEO Premesh Chandran again warned ISPs today to serve their customers without any political interference. 

"In line with official government policy and the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, telecommunications providers such as TM have a duty and obligation to ensure that their systems are not used to censor the Internet," Premesh (right) said. 

"This is the second time we have been able to show that such censorship is taking place," he added, referring to the restrictions faced byMalaysiakini earlier this week.

The big question remains whether access to independent news sites would be barred when vote counting begins on Sunday. 

"Our biggest fear is that access to Malaysiakini will be blocked on Sunday night. The authorities need to understand that once accurate information is cut off, rumours will take over, and the situation can become untenable," Premesh said.

"With updated reports from the online media as well as traditional media, voters are more likely to keep calm and will not believe provocative rumours." 

He called on the regulator, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, (MCMC) to station its personnel at ISPs on polling day to ensure that access in maintained. 

Malaysiakini is awaiting a response from MCMC on its plans for Sunday night.

Sites under constant attack

Apart from local ISPs censorship, Malaysiakini's Twitter accounts have also been hacked. However, Malaysiakini was able to regain control soon after. 

In addition, both Malaysiakini.com and KiniTV.com have been under denial of service (DOS) attacks over the past few weeks. However, unlike previous attempts, these debilitating attacks were not able to bring down the two websites.

Should ISPs block Malaysiakini on the election night, readers should access the Malaysiakini Facebook page and Twitter feed. 

Readers can also access Malaysiakini through smartphones via theandroid app.