Bloggers should stop spreading lies

2009/11/09

KUALA LUMPUR: Bloggers have been urged to stop spreading lies in their writings, particularly on social and political issues, as they can create controversy and damage the reputation of the government.

Broadcasting director-general Datuk Ibrahim Yahya, himself a blogger, said bloggers should act as middlemen when presenting issues to society.

"Some bloggers write nonsensical things which are far from the truth and created issues which are not true.

"It is difficult to gauge the extent of the truth in blog writings as the writers always hide behind pen names," he said at a dialogue session titled "Blog: Lies or Reality" here today.

Ibrahim said although bloggers had the freedom to write, they should always strive for a positive outcome and consider racial sensitivities.

Meanwhile, blogger Syed Imran Alsagoff who goes by the moniker "Kuda Ranggi" said like print and electronic media journalists, bloggers should also be exposed to journalism ethics and laws like the Internal Security Act (ISA) and the Offical Secrets Act (OSA).

"Bloggers who do not have deep understanding of the provisions of the acts and journalism ethics may resort to writing lies," he said.

Syed Imran, a former editor of Bernama said often, blogs on political issues were inclined to lying, incite and degrade the dignity of others. - Bernama