Don't abuse freedom of speech to stoke tensions, says deputy minister

Updated 5 years ago · Published on 1 Dec 2018 11:05PM · 4 Comments

A group of men protesting outside Sri Maha Mariamman temple in USJ 25, Subang Jaya recently. Deputy Communications and Multimedia Minister Eddin Syazlee Shith says people must use their freedom of speech responsibly and not stoke racial tensions. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Najjua Zulkefli, December 1, 2018.

THE public must be responsible and not abuse the freedom of speech they have on social media to trigger sensitive racial and religious issues, said Deputy Communications and Multimedia Minister Eddin Syazlee Shith.

Eddin said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) was able to erase  postings and take action on any content published by individuals who were irresponsible on social media and seen to be stoking racial tension.

“The government today does not want to use laws such as the Sedition Act because we want the people to have the freedom of speech so that they can express their views and offer constructive criticisms.

“But if it comes to slandering and causing racial discord, the Communications and Multimedia Ministry will work with the Home Ministry to investigate and assist in removing blogs and comments on social media that are racist and extreme in nature,” he told Bernama after attending the Free Market Johol and Back To School programme today.

Eddin, who is also Kuala Pilah MP, was commenting on the spread of fake news that appeared on various social media platforms aimed at manipulating the issue of the riots that took place in and around the Sri Maha Mariamman temple in USJ 25, Subang Jaya recently. – Bernama, December 1, 2018.

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Comments

  • IT HAS BEEN SAID THAT "YOU CAN FENCE THE WHOLE WORLD BUT NOT A PERSON'S MOUTH"?..

    Posted 5 years ago by MELVILLE JAYATHISSA · Reply

    • Was it a religious person who said that?..

      Posted 5 years ago by MELVILLE JAYATHISSA · Reply

    • Was it a religious person who said that?..

      Posted 5 years ago by MELVILLE JAYATHISSA · Reply

    • It must be educational! YOUR CLEANSING PROCEDURE for deleting social media postings you object to should also include informing the wrongdoer WHY you object to his/her racist/religious comment? If possible display your objection prominently on social media so other viewers can also learn and profit from it? Some cases may be borderline..

      Posted 5 years ago by MELVILLE JAYATHISSA · Reply