Question mark over local ISPs playing politics
Since nomination day, Harakahdaily has come under severe DDOS (distributed denial of service) attacks. But lately, our IT team found that there was more to it.
Having tested broadband services from all local internet service providers (ISP), we discovered that only YES4G and Time Internet have no problems accessing our web.
Users of ISPs such as TM Broadband, Unifi, Streamyx, Maxis, Celcom and Digi however have complained of unusually slow speed when accessing the Harakahdailyportal.
A pageview chart screened by us also revealed that connection was being ‘dropped’ every now and then when using these ISPs.
“If the matter is true, such dirty tactics must be stopped. ISPs should focus on their job to deliver the best service to its customers any desired websites without restriction,” said Zulkifli Sulong, Harakahdaily‘s editor-in-chief.
Harakahdaily is not alone. Malaysiakini’s IT team reportedly observed similar trend. The portal today questioned whether ISPs had been ordered to reduce access or restrict some websites.
Malaysiakini chief executive officer Premesh Chandran was equally serious in urging ISPs to butt out of politics.
“ISPs should stay out of politics and make sure their staff do not follow illegal instructions which undermine the accessibility of their networks. They should also ensure shared gateways are free of tampering and restrictions,” said Premesh.
Harakahdaily’s readership has meanwhile overtaken other major news sites, including UMNO-owned Utusan Malaysia’s internet edition.
As a precaution to future attacks, all our news will be also posted in full on our popular Facebook fan page at www.facebook.com/harakahdaily.
“Users who find it hard to access our portal, please tell your friends to get our news from our Facebook page as well,” said Zulkifli.
*************
