INTERVIEW | Limitations to freedom of speech have been clearly identified under existing laws including Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, said Gobind Singh Deo.
Despite various quarters raising concerns over a perceived attempt to crackdown on the Internet, the communications and multimedia minister reminded that the government had always taken the stand of there being no absolute freedom, including on social media.
"Of late we see a great rise in cases where the Internet is used for purposes which result in, if I may put it bluntly, abuse.
"We have insults, we have people who incite feelings of hatred, people who threatened others, people who have openly abused the royal institution... This is something we have to deal with," he told the media during a special interview held at Wisma TV in RTM today, ahead of Pakatan Harapan's one year anniversary in power next month.
"Where one commits an offence, then, of course, the law will take its course," he cautioned.
Gobind noted that Malaysia is not unique in its move to act against potentially threatening elements online, citing similar challenges faced by countries including neighbouring Singapore, as well as in the UK and Australia.
"There are calls for more regulations and of course emphasising the need for there to be very very careful considerations on how much freedom we want to give or we would support when it comes to (social) media," he said.
On the role of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), Gobind said the agency has been carrying out awareness campaigns, as well as assisting the police in investigations linked to reports lodged over allegedly offensive statements online.
He also denied claims that the MCMC has been slow to act on such cases.
"The police will make a request to the MCMC so the MCMC can provide information on the owner of an account or a website.
"That is the limit to our role in assisting the investigations," he said, adding that there were times when MCMC had swiftly responded to the police's requests, but subsequently no actions were taken.
With regard to press freedom, Gobind (photo) reiterated his ministry's commitment to consult with all stakeholders towards the formation of an independent media council.
"We are in the process of speaking to them... I am waiting to discuss the media council.
"Once we get the input we required we will decide on what to do. Of course, we will take into account all considerations and all concerns," he added.
As a whole, Gobind said the media's role to carry out its duties should be respected by all parties, including to report on any issue in a fair manner without external pressures.
Various stakeholders involved in discussions surrounding the formation of the media council are expected to formally present their proposals to the ministry by the end of this month.
The separate groups include publishers and editors who had drafted a proposal to legislate the media council, as well as a journalist alliance which is currently undertaking a similar exercise, taking into account the larger view of media practitioners. - Mkini
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