Monday, April 29, 2024

MCMC denies ‘politicised institution’ claim by blogger

 

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission says any action it takes adheres to procedures. (MCMC pic)

PETALING JAYA: The country’s internet regulator has dismissed claims by blogger Murray Hunter that it, along with the police, has become a politicised institution under the current administration.

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission  said it has since lodged a police report against Hunter.

In a statement, MCMC said that as a statutory body, it carried out its duties and responsibilities in accordance with the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 as well as its subsidiary laws.

It also said any action it took adhered to procedures.

Murray Hunter.

“Hence, Hunter’s accusations that MCMC has acted in excess of its jurisdiction in its own interest seems to be defamatory,” it said.

MCMC was responding to an article by Hunter, titled “Chegubard’s arrest and charging is a warning to all Malaysians”,  published today. Hunter also levelled a similar claim against the police.

MCMC said the article went against Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act.

The section deals with offences linked to using network facilities “to transmit communication deemed to be offensive or could cause annoyance to another person”.

“If Hunter has any issue with MCMC, he should file a complaint via the official channels,” it said.

When contacted, Hunter said MCMC was “getting ridiculous”, and claimed that his Substack – a platform that supports subscription newsletters – was blocked in Malaysia.

He said the statement issued by MCMC had inferred guilt through accusations.

“It’s time the MCMC has an overseeing committee to prevent abuse of power,” he said.

Hunter also labelled the statement by MCMC as a witch-hunt against him over an earlier report about the Shah Alam stadium. - FMT

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