MCMC reviewing SOP on dealing with online insults against Islam and other religions, says Minister

KUALA LUMPUR: Swifter and sterner action will be awaiting those who insult Islam and other religions in the country on social media, says Tan Sri Annuar Musa.

"I have asked the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to review the standard operating procedures on actions that could be taken under existing laws to allow for more proactive measures," he said

"I was given to understand that MCMC is referring the matter to the Attorney General's Chamber for clearer definition of the existing laws where it is felt that sterner and swifter action could be taken against those insulting Islam and other religions," the Communications and Multimedia Minister added in the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday. (Nov 18)

He was reply a question raised by Wan Hassan Mohd Ramli (PN-Dungun) who wanted to know what was being done by the MCMC to counter those insulting Islam on social media.

Annuar also said the MCMC is strengthening cooperation with the police on content on social media which could disrupt public order in the country.

The cooperation between the MCMC and the Police Cyber Investigation Response Centre, he said, is to identify social media content that involves crimes and those that posed a threat to public order.

"This includes insulting contents related to religion, race and royalty - the '3Rs'," he added.

As of Oct this year, Annuar said that the MCMC has opened 10 investigation papers involving insulting contents on social media with one case brought to court.

He acknowledged that some cases took time to investigate as due process of law had to be followed when taking action under the law such as the Sedition Act.

Also, he added, there were other complexities involved as the social media platforms, which contain the insulting contents, are based abroad.

Asked by Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad (PH-Kuala Selangor) if the government will consider enacting new laws to replace the Sedition Act to deal with such issues, Annuar said there was no need.

"The question is not enacting laws but rather advocacy and specific ongoing measures to encourage the rakyat to adopt attitudes and principles which are suited for our multicultural and multi-religious society," he added.

He said, so far, this has been done by Malaysians in general, who have learned to respect each other's customs and beliefs.