GOBIND MULLS MONITORING OF COMMENTS ON PORTALS
Ministry may take action against portal operators who allow readers to post insensitive comments
THE Communications and Multimedia Ministry is considering taking action against news portal operators who allow their readers to leave comments that touch on racial, religious and royal institution sensitivities.
Its minister, Gobind Singh Deo, said if portal operators failed to monitor and allowed such comments on their webpages, it was feared that these comments could incur the wrath of people and cause bigger problems.
“I have received complaints from the public, who lamented that there seemed to be no monitoring by the operators of readers’ comments posted on their portals.
“I’m considering whether there is a need to formulate a law on this aspect. It is under consideration and has not been brought to the cabinet (meeting) yet,” he said at the Parliament lobby here yesterday.
He was asked to comment on the speech by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah ibni Sultan Ahmad Shah Al-Musta’in Billah at the opening of the first meeting, second session of the 14th Parliament.
In the speech, the king called for action to be taken against irresponsible use of social media, which could threaten the country’s peace and harmony.
Gobind asked news portal operators be more careful and take full responsibility for what was written in the comments section of their portals to avoid problems.
The op erators should p ost news of high value that strengthened national unity, he said.
“It is clear from the message in the address by His Majesty that it is understandable that we depend on social media, but at the same time, we need to give priority to national unity and security.”
Gobind said his ministry had prepared amendments to the law.
“I hope I will have time to table the amendments at this sitting.
“I will make an announcement on the amendments if they can be tabled this time.”