KUALA LUMPUR: Stern legal action needs to be taken against those who insult and hurl abuses against others including national leaders on social media, which have been rampant of late.
Dewan Negara People’s Well-being Caucus Committee chairman, Senator Datuk Razali Idris in expressing his concern over the matter proposed that a new law be introduced or Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act (AKM) 1998 be amended to tackle issues related to hate speech.
“Parliament can also formulate laws according to Article 10 (2) (a) of the Federal Constitution to impose limits to the right to freedom of speech and expression, in the interest of internal security, moral principles, public order and international relations,” he said in a statement here today.
Razali said the caucus was confident that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission and the Royal Malaysian Police would take stricter action under AKM 1998, Sedition Act 1948, Defamation Act 1957, Penal Code (Act 574) and Computer Crimes Act 1998 against those who abuse social media platforms and such cases should be brought to the Attorney General’s Chambers for prosecution.
The Malaysian Senators’ Council deputy president stressed that the caucus strongly condemned the extreme and unpatriotic attitudes of some netizens on social media against the royal institution, Prime Minister and the country that could affect the well-being of the people.
“The latest was the insults and abuses hurled at Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin during his recent visit to Indonesia which is not acceptable and does not reflect good manners and moral value,” he said.
Razali said although Malaysians are free to express their opinions and views, there should be limitations and it must not violate the laws enacted under Article 10 (1) (a) of the Federal Constitution.
He also advised the people to always respect the country’s leaders especially the Prime Minister. – Bernama
