“If information in blogs, websites and online portals were incorrect, bordered on slander, caused disturbance or compelled the public to lose faith in the nation’s economic policies, their authors would be detained for investigation.” - Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, 2006
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From The Star 2 Aug 2006 (link is now defunct so has been removed):
PM: Those who spread untruths on the Net will be detained
By IAN MCINTYRE (Star, 2nd August 2006)
KUALA TERENGGANU: The Prime Minister has issued a warning – those who spread untruths and slander on the Internet will face the law.
If information in blogs, websites and online portals were incorrect, bordered on slander, caused disturbance or compelled the public to lose faith in the nation’s economic policies, their authors would be detained for investigation, said Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
“We cannot allow such matters to flow through uncontrolled,” he told newsmen after attending a briefing on the proposed Islamic Civilisation Park in Pulau Wan Man here.
“They say all kinds of things, make all kinds of dubious claims. We cannot allow them to abuse the freedom earned under the media. If left alone, they can say or pass on all kinds of things.”
Abdullah also said that those who sent out such information via short message system (SMS) would also be held accountable.
“If they abuse the freedom – more than the present freedom given without any restriction – we cannot allow it,” he declared.
“Where in the world is there such a freedom, where one can freely spread incorrect information and slander without having to own up to it?”
Asked if he was calling for a control mechanism, Abdullah said he would leave it to the police to investigate first.
It was reported recently that the Internal Security Ministry was investigating several online sites following a string of misreporting that caused tension and confusion among Internet users.
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Yowzers! And just the other day I was saying to proppers and upstairs. You know all the blogs that primarily feature gripes and complaints about the Malaysia’s problems, that make you feel hopeless about the country after reading them enough? Such blogs could be used by external enemies as an effective form of psychological warfare to undermine the country’s peace and stability.
But what the hey, as a God-fearing and ethical blogger, I already do my best to make sure whatever stuff I post is accurate and as non-inflammatory as my mood allows.
SOOOOOOOO btw, did you all know that Parameswara could have been a SPACE ALIEN??? Lolz! If you didn’t, do request it in a comment and I’ll explain why (cheap stunt to get more replies on my blog).
UPDATE 23 NOV 2007: We may have our first proven case of bloggo-lying! PM, where are you?!
