No censorship does not mean anyone can spread illegal contents

KUALA LUMPUR: The assurance by the government that there would be no internet censorship does not meananyonecanusethesocialmedia to spread contents that contravene with the law or recruit terrorists or promote child pornography.

Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek said the assurance given by the government under the Multimedia Super Corridor Bill of Guarantees however, states that internet usage should not contravene with any existing law, disturb or threaten harmony and national security.

"The assurance is aimed at realising the national vision of turning the country into a regional ICT hub. Internet contents are recognised as important factors to facilitate exchange of information, a catalyst for innovation and an important element to improve the quality of work and life.

"If an action contravenes the law in the physical world, it will not be allowed in the virtual world," he said when replying to a question from Senator Dr Syed Husin Ali at the Senate here yesterday.

Meanwhile, when commenting on the spread of photographs of a comedian's son through a website which promoted child pornography, Ahmad Shabery said this should not be allowed to go on and stern action must be taken.

"If we allow this, we may be seen by the world as a nation which supports (child pornography). We must be firm to forbid children to be used for purposes of pornography," he said.

Replying to a supplementary question from Syed Husin, he said offences committed on the internet are not only monitored by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) but also by various other agencies, including the police and Bank Negara.