Refrain from smear campaigns – KKCCCI

KOTA KINABALU: Tampering with videos and messages as well as violating an individual's privacy is an immoral and illegal act, not to mention going against Chinese traditional values, said Kota Kinabalu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KKCCCI) president Datuk Michael Lui. "Such behaviour should be curbed. "I hope all quarters will refrain from resorting to smear campaigns during the election period," he said when commenting on a recent viral smear campaign.

Lui said social media has been flooded with all kinds of videos, messages and information ever since the Election Commission (EC) announced the nomination and polling dates.

"It is difficult to discern the authenticity of some of the contents," he cautioned.

Hence, he urged the public, especially the younger generation, not to simply spread the content before verifying the authenticity of the information.

Lui also reminded the public that the Anti-Fake News Act 2018 has been gazetted and taken effect.

Under the Act, he said any individual convicted of fabricating, providing or publishing fake news could face a fine up to RM500,000, imprisonment not exceeding six years, or both.

"We must remain wary of fake news to prevent legal repercussions," he advised.