PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will monitor all social media information and content on the institution of the monarchy, especially ahead of the election and proclamation of the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo said yesterday.
The MCMC would particularly monitor the comments and criticisms on social media against the institution of the monarchy, he said.
“We have a monitoring system at the MCMC. When a report is made, an investigation will be carried out. The investigation papers will be forwarded to the Attorney-General’s Chambers and a decision will be made on the matter.
“I feel that all social media users should exercise caution when making statements,” he told reporters after delivering ‘The Minister’s Message’ at the Communications and Multimedia Ministry here.
Gobind was asked about the comments about the institution of the monarchy on social media, especially ahead of the election of the next Yang di-Pertuan Agong and Timbalan (Deputy) Yang di-Pertuan Agong on Jan 24 and the swearing-in on Jan 31.
Gobind said the ministry was concerned about the growing circulation of fake or defamatory news on social media that could incite hatred and spark anxiety among the people.
“Social media users should exercise responsibility and be responsible users of the facility,” he said.
Gobind also said that the ministry had started to review several acts pertaining to it, including the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, Communications and Multimedia Commission Act 1998 and Personal Data Protection Act 2010.
Citing an example, he said the ministry would amend the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 to provide for higher penalties for licence holders who did not adhere to the directives issued by MCMC.
“These more severe penalties show that the ministry is serious about developing and strengthening the infrastructure systems so that they (the licence holders) do not contravene any directive and law.
“I hope we can make the amendment at the next session (of Parliament), in March. However, it depends on whether we have the time to do so because many bills are to be tabled at that session,” he said.
On the proposed amendment of the Communications and Multimedia Commission Act 1998, Gobind said the matter was still under discussion.
“I have had meetings with the relevant parties, including the police, to obtain their views. I hope we can implement this also in March,” he said.
The act covers abuse of network facilities or network services.- Bernama
