MIPP has urged the MACC to commence investigations against Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil after the latter courted backlash for supposedly platforming inaccurate news regarding Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama).
Asserting that the controversy surrounding the matter has exposed the government’s “hypocrisy” in its fight against fake news and misinformation, MIPP information chief Justin Prabakaran warned that continued lack of action against Fahmi would affect public perception.
“The government cannot continuously lecture the rakyat about responsible social media usage, while ministers themselves are seen amplifying questionable and unverified political content.
“If ordinary Malaysians can be investigated over online content, then ministers and those in power must also be held accountable - no one should be above the law because of their title or position,” he added in a statement to Malaysiakini.
Recently, Bersama co-leader Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad highlighted that Fahmi’s TikTok account had reposted a video containing allegations against the party and another one of its leaders, former PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli.
The video, which claimed that Rafizi had “bought” Bersama for RM8.6 million, questioned the source of Rafizi’s funds and accused the former economy minister of harbouring ill intentions against PKR.
Malaysiakini’s checks confirmed that Fahmi’s TikTok account had shared the video, which remains listed under the account’s reposts and has yet to be taken down after being uploaded by user “MayaAlesya” three days ago.
The TikTok page, which continues to share AI-generated political content, has also pinned the disputed video to the top of its list of videos.
During the May 17 event, when Rafizi and Nik Nazmi announced their new political endeavour, the former said Bersama co-founder Tan Gin Theam had willingly handed over the party as part of efforts to improve the nation’s political landscape.
In the following days, Rafizi had also indicated that Tan was motivated by political ideals, implying that no money changed hands during the takeover.
Double standards?
Justin said Fahmi, who is also the government spokesperson, should be investigated “in the same manner” as other members of the public, including activists and opposition leaders, who are “scrutinised” by the MCMC over their online postings.
“Why is this minister (Fahmi) not being investigated? Is there a double standard because he is the communications minister?” Justin questioned.
“The rakyat can clearly see the growing culture of selective enforcement practised by this Madani government - ‘cakap lain, buat lain’ (saying one thing and doing another) has become the reality of this administration.
“This issue sends a dangerous signal to the public that enforcement and justice are not applied fairly. Public confidence in the country’s enforcement institutions will continue to decline if double standards are allowed to continue,” he added. - Mkini
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