Online racist statements on temple fracas will be probed, says Gobind

Gobind Singh Deo

KUALA LUMPUR: Investigations into online and social media statements that threaten national security and unity will go on, says Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo (pic).

This is will be one of the recommendations to be tabled by Gobind at the Cabinet meeting this Friday (Nov 30), in the wake of recent developments and the temple fracas.

"Questions have been asked on a moratorium (suspension) that exists on certain offences.

"I am of the view that it should be looked at on a case-to-case basis.

"When it comes to incidents that threaten national security and those involving race relations in the country, then the authorities should be allowed to investigate and take the necessary action," he told reporters in Parliament lobby today (Nov 29).

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

He added that it would also be recommended that Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act be incorporated into the Penal Code.

"We are also looking at amending Section 233, and one option is that the provision is transferred into the Penal Code and that it will be the police that carries out investigations after the amendments are made," he said.

Section 233 deals with improper use of the internet when spreading information.

Those found guilty can face a maximum fine of RM50,000 or a maximum one-year jail term or both, as well as a further fine of RM1,000 for every day the offence is continued after conviction.

On the probe into the temple fracas and related incidents, Gobind said that MCMC is working closely with the police special task force for the purpose.

Based on the evidence, he said that recommendations would be made to the Attorney General for prosecution to be carried out.

He advised member of the public no to spread unverified news reports or make inflammatory statements on social media, as the MCMC is still monitoring the situation.

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

There have been calls for a moratorium on draconian laws, in line with Pakatan Harapan’s manifesto.