Malaysia

Free speech allowed on social media, just keep off sensitive issues: Fahmi

Comms minister reminds public not to post on race, religion, royalty

Updated 3 years ago · Published on 09 Mar 2023 7:19AM

Free speech allowed on social media, just keep off sensitive issues: Fahmi
Communications and Digital minister Fahmi Fadzil says his ministry will continue to monitor social media platforms to ensure content posted does not touch on sensitivities related to race, religion, and royalty. – ALIF OMAR/The Vibes file pic, March 9, 2023

KUALA LUMPUR – Members of the public are free to create and express creative content on social media platforms provided it does not touch on sensitivities related to the 3Rs – race (nation), religion, and royalty.

Communications and Digital minister Fahmi Fadzil said the ministry will continue to monitor with the cooperation of social media platforms to ensure that such content does not touch on these sensitivities.

“In terms of public security, the government will take swift action in the event of any public disturbances caused by such action or problems through the spread of deviant teachings, militant extremism, and terrorism.

“In Malaysia, we do not prevent anyone from expressing themselves or voicing out, but we have laws, manners, and culture.

“It is important to remember that while we have the freedom to speak, we do not have the right to slander anyone or spread fake information,” he told reporters after officiating the KNKV Viral Award and KNKV Group rebranding ceremony today.

Meanwhile, Fahmi said the ministry, particularly the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, does not often ask social media platforms to delete content unless it receives complaints from the public, or it is found to touch on the 3Rs.

“Nearly 95% of content that is removed is due to the content creator violating community guidelines (set by the platform provider). If this happens repeatedly, the platform itself will close the account,” he said. – Bernama, March 9, 2023

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