Govt mulls new legislation to curb misuse of social media

KUALA LUMPUR: The government is looking into the possibility of introducing new legislation or a parliamentary committee to curb misuse of social media, which if left unchecked, could lead to the spread of hateful or extremist ideologies.

Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo said the government was studying feasible means to scrutinise and curb abuse of social media by irresponsible individuals.

To this end, the government was not only looking into legislation, but also self-regulation within the industry, he said at the “Meet the Press 2019” discussion organised by the Malaysia Human Rights Commission.

“We are looking into several proposals, not only to have new legislation but also on how we can create an industry with a regulation to ensure that before any report can be spread on social media, there will be a system to ascertain whether it is factual or false.”

He said they might emulate methods used by other countries, including Singapore.

On another matter, Gobind said Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) was following standard operating procedure (SOP) when airing Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s speech live last Sunday.

He said RTM’s SOP stated that when the prime minister attended an official function only his speech was to be broadcast live.

“RTM cannot be blamed for not airing the speeches of the minister and the Negri Sembilan menteri besar live at the said event,” he said.

However, Gobind said event organisers could talk to RTM about adjustments to the items that were to be telecast live, based on the news value. “Unfortunately, there was no such request.

“RTM rightfully aired only the prime minister’s speech. I was informed that this was done with the express agreement of the event organiser, the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry.”

Earlier this week, Transport Minister Anthony Loke’s press secretary, Lim Swee Kuan, had asked via Facebook, whether RTM was sabotaging the federal government after Loke’s speech at the 2019 Chinese New Year Open House in Seremban, Negri Sembilan, was not broadcast.

Gobind also clarified that his move to ask for an explanation from RTM did not violate the freedom of the press.

“On the contrary, asking for an explanation affords RTM the valuable right to be heard where concerns have been raised against it before any decision is made on the matter,” he added.