GOOD ADVICE FROM RULERS – BUT WILL IT EXTEND TO TMJ’S OUTSPOKEN POSTS AGAINST DR MAHATHIR: STOP SHARING DEFAMATORY COMMENTS, MALAY RULERS TELL MALAYSIANS

THE Malay rulers have called on the people to immediately stop spreading defamatory posts and unconfirmed news, as these could undermine national harmony.

They view with grave concern the hurling of slanderous remarks among the people of late, said a statement by the Conference of Rulers, issued by Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal Syed Danial Syed Ahmad, today.

“The act of exchanging defamatory statements and the public display of hatred seem to have become a culture in our society.

“It is feared that such defamation, which triggers disputes, will worsen. Unless it is contained and controlled, it can cause anxiety among the people.”

The statement said a pre-council meeting of the Malay rulers today, on the eve of a Conference of Rulers meeting, saw in-depth discussions on, among others, issues relating to the unity, harmony and well-being of Malaysia’s multiethnic population.

It said the rulers play a role in preserving the well-being of the country’s various races, and feel they have a responsibility to “rectify the current situation”.

“Hence, the Malay rulers advise the people to immediately stop the indiscriminate hurling of defamatory remarks, so that they cease to haunt the lives of Malaysians.

“The Malay rulers urge the people to adopt a healthy culture based on harmony and tolerance, without prejudice against one another, to achieve the aspiration of peaceful coexistence, for the nation’s prosperity.”

They also urge the people to collectively develop a society that is strong, harmonious, dignified and credible, and one that reflects the values of solidarity and universal humanity, said the statement.

The Conference of Rulers called on all parties, especially enforcement authorities and influential figures, to be more proactive in addressing the issue of sedition and defamation online.

The rulers are of the view that there should be thorough investigations carried out into those responsible for spreading stories that have yet to be proven true, said the statement.

It said those guilty of the crime of slander must be immediately subjected to legal action, so as to serve as a warning and lesson, for the sake of the people’s well-being and prosperity.

– Bernama