KOTA KINABALU: The Communications and Multimedia Ministry is in the midst of gathering opinions to put together a policy to deal with fake news touching on race and religion.
Its minister Gobind Singh Deo said it views with concern on postings that would pose great impact on national security and public order.
“My ministry has been looking into this and studying this in past years. There are several (policy) proposals that have been put forward, but I won’t go into that now.
“When we are ready to make an announcement on policy and matters connected therewith then I will call a press conference.
“But of course, there has been discussion in my ministry. We are in the process of getting opinions as to how we can deal with it (fake news on race and religion),” he told reporters after handing over myFreeview Decoders to the bottom 40 per cent (B40) and disabled group, here.
Gobind was responding to a question on the ministry’s action in dealing with sharing and posting of fake news that touched on sensitive issues and whether there is any discussion to develop policy.
He noted that the government has laws in place to deal with fake news, and action will be taken when there are postings that affect national security and public order.
He then referred to a particular social media posting which alleged that Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng had something to do with a Tabung Haji meeting.
Gobind said a police report has been lodged on the case.
“So we have to be careful, especially when it comes to those using social media for the purpose of criminal threats. If there’s evidence to suggest an offence has been committed, then action will be taken. We have laws to deal with cases like this.
“When a report is lodged, the police will conduct investigation and the role of Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is to assist the police, particularly where there’s a request if that posting is made on social media,” he said.
Recently, a viral image suggesting that Lim allegedly chaired a Tabung Haji meeting sparked debate. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Dr Mujahid Yusof denied the allegation, and described it as a deliberate attempt to spread religious and racial hatred.
Asked whether MCMC has received a request to take action against a local portal over an allegation against Sabah Infrastructure Development Minister Datuk Peter Anthony, Gobind said it would be up to the police and Attorney-General’s Chambers to decide.
“Those issues have to be dealt on a case-by-case basis. Different websites will have different challenges and of course, there are different issues involved. But the root of it is whether or not what is published is something which is offensive.
“People who are offended by the postings have the right to lodge a report. That’s something they are legally entitled to do under the law. If they lodge a report, of course it is for the authorities to decide on the case based on investigation.
“The Attorney-General will decide thereafter what needs to be done. MCMC will give assistant as far as technical information is concerned,” he said.
On Feb 17, Anthony lodged a police report calling MCMC to take action against the local portal that reported he was involved in awarding contracts worth RM1.5 billion from Sabah Public Works Department without tender.