KUALA LUMPUR: Online harassment affects people from all walks of life, and even Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reforms) M. Kulasegaran has not been spared.
Kulasegaran revealed that he was recently accused of having an affair with a young woman in a video circulated on TikTok.
"In Tamil, they claimed that I was enjoying myself with a young woman and not dating people of my age.
"But they did not realise that this young woman is actually my wife. I’ve received many such TikTok videos forwarded to me," said Kulasegaran when debating the Oaths and Affirmations (Amendment) Bill 2024 in Parliament on Monday (July 15).
Kulasegaran said he was advised by many people to uphold his image as a deputy minister, despite the false allegations.
"My wife was upset. But, in my opinion, politicians have higher resistance," he said.
Kulasegaran agreed that stern action should be taken against cyber-bullies, including in the recent case of A. Rajeswary, who was found dead after being tormented online.
"It is very unfair for Rajeswary, and I hope there will be thorough investigations," said Kulasegaran.
Earlier, Kulasegaran said Putrajaya is refining policy proposals to create a new law to deal with cyberbullies.
"We will take into account the views of all, including academicians. Their views will be included in the new law to address cyber-bullying offences," added Kulasegaran.
Government spokesman Fahmi Fadzil recently said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had directed the police and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to do more to stop cyberbullying.
The call followed the death of Rajeswary, a Hindu rights activist who was harassed online.
