Political parties called to take common stand against false news, hate speech

SIBU: The challenge of all political parties – whether in the government or opposition at the national or state level - is to take a firm and solid stand against false news and hate speech aimed at inciting polarisation between people of various races and religions in Malaysia.

Therefore, there is a need for all political parties to adopt a united and firm stance against false news and hate speech that could tear apart the fabric of society, Democratic Action Party (DAP) parliamentary leader Lim Kit Siang pointed out.

‘False news and hate speech aimed at inciting the polarisation between race and religion is Malaysia’s greatest threat to unity, success and world-class nation,” he said when addressing at the Sibu DAP dinner here on Saturday night.

Lim, who is also the member of Parliament for Iskandar Puteri, said when DAP was in opposition at the federal level for 52 years, it would not hesitate to respond immediately and positively to any political party in the government calling for a unified and firm stance against the falsehood aimed at inciting polarisation between races and religions.

He noted that the country was now filled with fake news and hate speech, especially on social media.

“Even on Malaysia Day, we should have urged all Malaysians, regardless of race, religion or region, to unite as a nation. Some political parties and political leaders are taking advantage of this moment to spread false news and hate speech to incite the people of Malaysia,” he said.

He said a good example was the speech by PAS president Datuk Seri Hadi Awang on Malaysia Day in Bintulu that the DAP is against Malays and anti-Islam and that it would be disastrous for DAP to lead Sarawak and Malaysia.

“These are all lies, which have been spread by DAP’s enemies in the past, but have failed to hinder the progress and success of DAP over the past 50 years,” he stated.

Sibu MP Oscar Ling, Pelawan assemblyman David Wong and Bukit Assek assemblywoman Irene Chang were among those present.