Anwar urges M’sians to resolve issues and foster respect
PETALING JAYA: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is hoping for Malaysians to put an end to the Era FM controversy and to be “agents” promoting unity among one another, says his senior press secretary Tunku Nashrul Abaidah.
Tunku Nashrul said this was conveyed by Anwar when he 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.
“His 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.
“The PM hopes that all Malaysians can put an end to this issue and move forward in ensuring that the people respect one another,” he said during a daily media briefing yesterday.
Tunku Nashrul also said Anwar was appreciative of attempts by groups to ease the tensions related to this case.
Era FM was embroiled in a controversy early this month when a video emerged in which three of its DJs were seen to be mocking a Hindu ceremony. The three men have since apologised.
Maestra Broadcast Sdn Bhd, which operates Era FM, was fined RM250,000 on March 11.
Tunku Nashrul also said Anwar had told the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to explain the difference in compound amounts for Era FM’s operator, comedian Harith Iskander and Facebook user Cecelia Yap.
“The PM stressed that everyone must understand that the differences in compounds and punishment were due to changes in the legislation that was passed recently,” said Tunku Nashrul.
Otherwise, any inaccurate information shared regarding this matter would only create a negative perception, he said.
On March 5, Harith Iskander and Cecelia Yap were each issued a compound of RM10,000 for uploading offensive content and comments on Jan 18 that insulted Islam.
(Their postings were in relation to the sale of a “ham and cheese sandwich” at a convenience store and the misuse of the halal logo.)
Yesterday, MCMC published an FAQ to explain the action taken against Maestra Broadcast.
“After taking into account that the content involved an issue of public interest that had created racial and religious conflict, a compound of RM250,000 has been imposed on the company in question,” it said.
The fine was based on the recently amended Communications and Multimedia Act, which came into effect on Feb 11.
“Under the amendments to the Act, the maximum penalty is a fine of RM500,000 and imprisonment of up to two years or both,” MCMC said.
As to the difference in the compound in the case of Harith and Yap, MCMC explained that they had uploaded offensive content and comments regarding Islam on Facebook on Jan 18, before the amended Act came into effect.
Prior to the amendment, Section 233 of the Act only allowed for a maximum of RM50,000 fine, a maximum one-year jail term, or both, upon conviction.
