PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is hoping that Malaysians put the Era FM controversy to rest and to be “agents” of unity, says Tunku Nashrul Abaidah.
The Prime Minister's senior press secretary said this was conveyed by Anwar when the latter met the three Era FM DJs recently during a breaking of fast event with media practitioners.
“The Prime Minister advised them to always carry the message of unity in their daily tasks.
“The advice is not just for the trio, but for everyone to be unity agents and help the Madani government to unite Malaysians from various backgrounds, religion, race and ethnicity,” said Tunku Nashrul during the daily media briefing on Anwar’s Facebook on Wednesday (March 12).
“The PM also hopes that all Malaysians would put an end to this issue and move forward in ensuring that the people respect one another,” he added.
Tunku Nashrul said Anwar appreciated the efforts of groups to reduce tensions in this matter.
Meanwhile, Tunku Nashrul also said Anwar had told the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to explain the differing compound amounts issued to Era FM’s operator, comedian Harith Iskander and Facebook user Cecelia Yap.
“The PM stressed that everyone must understand the differences in compounds and punishment was due to changes in the legislation which was passed (in Parliament) recently,” he said.
Tunku Nashrul said any inaccurate information shared regarding this matter will only create negative perceptions.
“The PM will also chair the Cabinet meeting later and any decision or outcome of the meeting will be informed by the Communications Minister later this evening,” he added.
On Tuesday (March 11), the commission said the licence of Maestra Broadcast Sdn Bhd, the operator of Era FM, will not be suspended, but they were fined RM250,000.
The company was issued a RM250,000 compound under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for uploading offensive content on Era FM’s official TikTok account.
Era FM was embroiled in a controversy after three of its DJs went viral on March 4, where they were depicted in a video allegedly mocking a Hindu religious ceremony.
Earlier, the commission explained that Maestra Broadcast Sdn Bhd was fined RM250,000 based on the recently amended Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 which came into effect on Feb 11.
Previously, the section only allowed for a maximum of RM50,000 fine, or up to a year’s prison, or both.
The MCMC said Harith and Yap had uploaded offensive content and comments regarding Islam on Facebook on Jan 18, before the amended act came into effect.
