Najib orders end to ‘trial by social media’

Internet regulator MCMC told to look into the laws and check the spread of slanders

KUALA KUBU BARU: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, which regulates use of the Internet, has been ordered to streamline laws and step up enforcement to check dissemination of slander on social media.

The prime minister, Najib Razak, said here that slander on social media should be checked, otherwise it would alter the people’s thinking and create a situation where there was a “trial by social media”.

He said: “When faced with trial by social media, we, as members of the administration, will be declared guilty before trial. But when it comes to the opposition, it will all be considered defamation, not considered as the truth. Is this not weird?”

Opening the Hulu Selangor Umno divisional meeting, Najib said the government could not obstruct the progress of technology but it also could not give absolute freedom to the extent that untruths were turned into truths.

He also urged Umno to become an active practitioner of social media and have a specific programme to change the perception of the people.

“Today, perception seems to overwhelm reality. We need to understand the situation when faced with attacks in cyberspace to better position our party,” he said.

Najib said party members should come up with strategies to attract the support of the people and not revel in one’s own self-satisfaction when implementing any programme.

– BERNAMA