Govt wants to ensure Internet not abused
(Bernama) – The government is not looking to find fault with bloggers and other internet users but would like them to follow the law to ensure they did not misuse it.
Minister of Information, Communication and Culture Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim said the ministry played an important role in establishing only the right kind of information reached the masses.
"It is not that we are looking for faults all the time. But we would like the right of the people to be guarded by the relevant authorities and the law. "Our aim is to see the IMalaysia concept succeed. However, in order to succeed, the facts must not be twisted or misinterpreted by some until it raises racial sentiments.
"If the right information does not reach the people how can there be success?
“So, I want everyone to understand and respect the law," he said told reporters after the ministry's monthly gathering at the Sultan Abdul Samad building here Thursday.
He added that this country was a country of law and anybody who violated the law had to answer for his or her action.
"Therefore, under this ministry there are various laws that govern the rights of people to communicate, through the internet especially.
“We would like to assure the public that those who have been maligned by the web or bloggers, have the right to report to us and then (we will) see whether it contains any truth or not.
"We shall establish a mechanism to ensure there is no abuse of the communication system in the country. It's quite far from you saying that we are looking for people to prosecute," he said, referring to a question from a reporter.
He said the communication department under the ministry would monitor the media to look out for twisted facts or untruthful postings.
The ministry, however, would not be taking hasty action against government critics as long as they did not flout the Communications and Multimedia Act, he said.
He added that officers and agencies under the ministry were capable of carrying out their duties and enforcing the Communications and Multimedia Act, and the role of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission.
