Online racist statements about temple clashes will be verified, says Gobind – Nation

KUALA LUMPUR: Gobind Singh Deo, Minister of Communications and Multimedia, to Continue Investigating Online Statements and Social Media Threatening Security and National Unitypeak).

This is one of the recommendations that will be presented by Gobind at the Council of Ministers meeting this Friday (30 November), following recent developments and the din of the temple.

"Questions have been asked about an existing moratorium (suspension) for certain offenses.

"I think it should be examined on a case-by-case basis.

"With regard to incidents that threaten national security and those involving racial relations in the country, the authorities should be allowed to investigate and take the necessary measures," he told reporters today. (November 29).

He said this about the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) investigations into social media statements about temple clashes and related incidents.

He added that it would also be recommended to incorporate Article 233 of the Law on Communications and Multimedia into the Criminal Code.

"We are also considering amending Article 233, and one of the options is that this provision be transferred to the Penal Code and that the police conduct the investigations after the amendments," he said. he declares.

Article 233 deals with the misuse of the Internet when disseminating information.

Convicted persons may face a fine of up to RMB 50,000, a maximum sentence of one year imprisonment or both, and an additional fine of RMB 1,000 for every day the offense is prosecuted after the conviction.

Regarding the investigation of the temple excavations and related incidents, Gobind said the MCMC is working closely with the special police working group for this purpose.

On the basis of the evidence, he stated that recommendations would be made to the Attorney General for prosecution.

He advised the member of the public not to release unverified information or make inflammatory statements on social media, as the MCMC is still monitoring the situation.

"Freedom of expression does not mean absolute freedom of expression because there are laws and limits," he added.

Calls for a moratorium on draconian laws have been launched, according to Pakatan Harapan's manifesto.