BUKIT Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid has called on the authorities to act against internet users who propagate fake news online.

Having been a victim on several occasions, the Wanita DAP leader explained how she was once again ridiculed online with falsehoods.

Equally disturbing were attacks on the personal side, especially when she was mourning the death of her father Abdul Rashid Hanafi, a former schoolteacher.

“Today, I have lodged a police report against parties who have slandered me on social media, accusing me of supposedly ‘fighting to change Malaysia’s official religion’ and ‘planning to attack Islamic institutions, especially Jakim’.

“These claims are clearly extreme slanders spread by irresponsible parties with the intent to create a negative perception of me, my party, and the Madani government among the public, especially the Malay community,” she said in a statement.

“In the same post, there is also an individual who falsely claimed that the leader of the Parti Komunis Malaya, Rashid Maidin, is my father, when in fact, my late father, Abdul Rashid Hanafi, was a schoolteacher who just passed away in early June.”

A police report regarding the vandalism of the Bukit Bendera MP Service Centre’s signboard also has been made, and police are currently investigating the matter, said Syerleena.

“As a Muslim member of parliament, I remain committed to upholding the sanctity of Islam and will defend its institutions in this country if they are threatened,” she said.

Moreover, the DAP leadership has also emphasised that the party will continue to respect and adhere to the Federal Constitution concerning the position of Islam, the Malay rulers, and the Malay language, she said.

“Therefore, the public, especially Muslims, need not fear DAP, as the party conducts its political activities based on constitutional principles and the laws of the country.”

“The public is advised to use social media responsibly. Social media is a powerful platform, and it should be used wisely and ethically.

“The authorities need to take swift and firm action against those who spread slander on all platforms.” 

The dissemination of false or slanderous information not only can damage a person’s reputation but also the party, said Syerleena. – August 18, 2024.