KUALA LUMPUR – Communications and Multimedia Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa has assured the public that the ministry is committed to taking action against any irresponsible individuals or parties that threaten public peace by insulting Islam or other religions.
Annuar said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), Royal Malaysia Police, Malaysian Islamic Development Department, and other state Islamic departments are in close cooperation to enforce laws against crimes involving anti-religion hate speech.
“I understand that MCMC has referred to the Attorney-General’s Chambers for a clearer interpretation of existing laws, as it feels that stricter and swift action can be taken against those insulting Islam and other religions,” Annuar said during Ministers’ Question Time at the Dewan Rakyat.
Asked by Wan Hassan Mohd Ramli (Dungun-PAS) on whether Putrajaya has enough manpower to combat hate speech against religions, Annuar said manpower is not a factor.
He said social media sometimes concern service providers outside of Malaysia’s borders, and that they do hold the right to delete offensive content.
He said the due process of this issue makes it a time-consuming affair for the authorities.
Nevertheless, up till October, Annuar said 10 investigation papers have been opened by MCMC, with one case already brought to the court for charges.
“This process takes time because of the complexity of the internet,” he said.
Meanwhile, on whether there are plans for a new National Harmony Act, Annuar answered in the negative.
The Ketereh MP said Malaysia is both diverse and harmonious, with the exception of cases of small wrongdoings that could threaten public peace.
“New laws are not the answer to the problem.
“We will use advocacy and other efforts to encourage the rakyat to adopt values suitable with our diverse culture,” he added. – The Vibes, November 18, 2021
