Criticise, but don’t defame – Fahmi Fadzil

KUALA LUMPUR - The actions of certain parties who allegedly pay for advertisements on social media to spread negative sentiment to the public are seen as crossing the limits and threatening the political stability of the unity government.

Digital Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil emphasises, that it was crucial that those who funded for such advertisements to be detained and brought to justice.

“This we cannot keep silent. For me, it has crossed the line, never threaten public safety just for the sake of each other’s political future.

“For those involved, the money used must be investigated. Who’s behind it, where does the money come from and what’s their purpose? These people must be arrested, investigated and brought to justice.

“The Prime Minister has stated that he does not want people who criticise to be constrained, they’re allowed to be critical and to express different views, but not to hurl defamation or unsubstantiated accusations, saying Anwar is an Israeli agent or this government recognises the state of Israel,” he said.

Fahmi, who is also the Pakatan Harapan (PH) Communications director, said the regulation of the use of social media should be developed more integrated and decisively.

“For instance in India, Indonesia, Singapore and Australia have laws, especially regarding the use of social media.

“So I think Malaysia needs tougher laws to ensure that these social media platforms understand our laws, manners and culture and not to be exposed too much that they can be abused by certain parties,” he said.