THE government plans to review section 233(1) of the Communications and Multimedia Act to prevent power abuse.

Deputy Communications and Digital Minister Teo Nie Ching said successive governments had used the section of the law to harass, intimidate and silence critics.

Teo, who was replying to Bangi MP, Syahredzan Johan, said the views and recommendations of all MPs are welcome.

Syahredzan, a practising lawyer, had called section 233(1) “problematic”. He said he had represented many clients who were arrested and prosecuted for posting critical comments about politicians on social media.

Since 2009, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission has received 2,825 complaints filed under section 233(1), Teo said.

Of these 108 cases are still under investigation and 115 cases have been prosecuted. Forty cases paid a compound fine amounting to RM138,250.

She added 84 cases were given warnings.

No further action was taken against 2,478 cases due to lack of proof of wrongdoing.

The offences included using a telecommunication network to transmit pornographic and obscene materials, spreading fake news, and making threats.

Of the 115 cases that were taken to court, 108 ended in convictions and fines amounting to RM1.4 million. – March 1, 2023.