DPM: Claim of slow action on non-Malays 'has basis'

Deputy prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin today said that there "is basis" to say that the authorities are slow in taking action when non-Malays are posting insensitive content online.

Muhyiddin said this is as opposed to if the alleged offender is Malay, prompting accusations of selective prosecution.

"They say if it involves the Malays, the authorities will take swift action and if it involves the non-Malays, slow action will be take and this response has basis.

"We will take note of this matter and if the existing laws are adequate, it should be enforced, regardless of race, and if the Malays are in the wrong, we will take action.

"Likewise for the other races, then it is fair," he was quoted byBernama as saying.

His remarks at a Bera Umno event comes after Umno Youth issued an ultimatum to the attorney-general and Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission over perceived lack of action on social media user Kelvin Yip.

Yip had complained about loud Islamic prayers in a profanity-laden Facebook post, and is now under police investigation.

No plans to screen internet

Muhyiddin said that the government is also prepared to amend the Sedition Act to curb social media users to deal with the rise of insensitive posts online.

"If the existing laws are inadequate, we will amend and find ways so that the relevant authorities, the Attorney-General's Chambers or the police cannot give excuses for not taking action because there are legal provisions.

"The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will be responsible for the multimedia issue while the department will look at the legal aspect of the Act and other acts, that need to be improved on," he is quoted as saying.

However, he said that the goverment has no plans to impose internet screening.

This despite the Multimedia and Communications Ministry saying that it is studying whether or not to ban Facebook in Malaysia.

"However if there are statements being issued that contradict the laws by raising racial sentiments, hatred and defamation, we will take firm action in accordance to the existing legal provisions," he reportedly said.

- Bernama