Amanah Youth says gov't too soft on inflammatory online content

Amanah Youth chief Mohd Sany Hamzan has criticised the government for supposedly being "too soft" on inflammatory comments made on social media following the Seafield temple riots on Monday and Tuesday.

"Amanah Youth regrets the government's approach towards the misuse of internet and social media, particularly on the spread of seditious, racist and fake news, which has been too soft," he said in a statement today.

Sany said it was regretful that the new Pakatan Harapan government had suspended the use of Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act (CMA).

"Making it worse is the fact that authorities do not have an alternative to replace Section 233. This allowed the unrestrained spread of fake and racist information online.

"The Sri Maha Mariamman temple incident is proof that fake and racist news has succeeded in fuelling the people's anger," he said.

Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo's aide informed Malaysiakini that there is no suspension of Section 233 of the CMA.

Harapan leaders, while in the opposition, had criticised the previous government for allegedly abusing Section 233 of the CMA to persecute them.

Despite this, Gobind had announced in September that Section 233 would likely be amended to prevent abuse of power, rather than repealed. 

Section 233 concerns the improper use of network facilities or services, but has been criticised as being too vague, allowing authorities to arbitrarily enforce the law.

Sany called on the government to retain Section 233, claiming that it would be good for the maintenance of harmony and public order.

He said the constitutionality of the law had been determined in the courts and that it was a "good law and settled law".

"We are worried if this (inflammatory content online) is not contained, it could cause more serious dangers and disrupt communities living in peace and harmony," he said. - Mkini