Internet clampdown threat shows Putrajaya is afraid, say Malaysians

Asila Jalil Asila Jalil Updated 6 years ago · Published on 6 Mar 2018 5:25PM · 4 Comments

Internet users are not impressed by Communications and Multimedia Minister Salleh Said Keruak’s threat of a crackdown if they do not toe the line online. – The Malaysian Insight file pic, March 6, 2018.

MALAYSIANS smell fear in Communications and Multimedia Minister Salleh Said Keruak’s warning of a possible internet clampdown.

Many have taken to Facebook and Twitter to say the move to monitor social media in the name of controlling “reckless” posts was a threat to freedom and a sign the ruling government’s was afraid of losing power in the 14th general election (GE14).

“His work is fixated on muzzling dissent and hiding the truth to protect corruption and wrongdoing,” said Keith Chin on Facebook.

“Do not allow this government to take away the right you are entitled to as citizens of a free country.”

Another user Hisham Mohamed said the government should not have to take such a step if it had not done anything wrong.

“Why worry if you did nothing wrong? Why do you keep oppressing the people?” he said.

Kim Hua Yeoh said many of the younger generation relied on the internet for news and updates.

“So the government is going to clamp down on the Gen Y internet era? So many young generations are using the internet to read news and connect with each other.

“No freedom of speech soon for most of the Gen Y and older people if the laws are gazetted to frighten them!”

Boos Tutong said the ruling government should be removed from power come GE14.

“(They’re) too afraid. Just remove their power in GE14,” he said.

On Twitter, a user named Jeffrey Saw (@mrjefe) said there were existing laws to deal with fake news.

“There are already laws in place to deal with a lot of these ‘fake news’ if indeed they are fake. You want to control the narrative? Maybe get your people to clean up their act!”

Another user Paul Ooi tweeted that that it was another reason to vote   Barisan Nasional out.

“More reason not to vote for the current ruling government,” he said.

Salleh warned Malaysians on his blog today that the government would step in to restore order in cyberspace if users did not act responsibly.

He said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission might may be instructed to monitor social media as bloggers and social media users have been recklessly posting on the internet of late. – March 6, 2018.

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Comments

  • Another blunder by this Salleh feller!!!! You are really looking for troubles. How did Najib has such ministers in his line up. They are just nailing Najib to the wall. We love it. Pakatan Harapan rest assured !!!! This intellect devoid feller is helping to do a serious damge to UmnoBN and you guys coudn't do it much better than him. Trying to be a hero ends up like a dimwit.

    Posted 6 years ago by Lee Lee · Reply

  • The last days of the sunni wal rasuah gov

    Posted 6 years ago by Leslie Chan · Reply

  • What do we believe to be true ? Something that is consistent with our experience or just something that everybody around us happens to believe ? If malaysians are the former sort, the threat to clampdown on social media and online news will cost the government support. If we are the second sort, as long as the clampdown is done with strength , I think the government will find support for it increasing . Those who bite the hand that feeds it, a wise man said, will lick the boot that kicks it. Conversely , I reckon that it is equally true that those who lick the hands that feed it, will bite the boot that kicks it. whether clamping down on the internet will favour the government’s cause, really depends of how we determine the truth, and on how much force the government will apply in its clampdown .

    Posted 6 years ago by Nehru Sathiamoorthy · Reply

  • This shows these folks high up are scared, real scared of an awakening by the educated and intellectual....

    Posted 6 years ago by Crishan Veera · Reply