Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain
PETALING JAYA: Police have intensified efforts to trace 3R-sensitive posts and fake news on social media with the six state elections coming up soon, says Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain.
“We do not care if it is the work of the common man or politicians, we will investigate and take stern action if necessary on those stoking hate on race, religion and royalty,” the top cop reiterated.
“As we know, investigations into two politicians were initiated recently for allegedly touching on racial sensitivities in their statements.”
Asked if there was an uptrend in inflammatory and sensitive posts on social media with the state polls nearing, Razarudin said the police had not detected any rise.
He said the police will use provisions under the Sedition Act, Penal Code and Communications and Multimedia Act to act on those who commit 3R-sensitive offences.
“Our aim is to keep the peace and maintain harmony in the country, especially during the elections. We want to see the elections proceed smoothly,” he added.
In GEORGE TOWN, the caretaker Penang state government will be closely monitoring the extent of hate speech and expose the source and pattern of toxic posts on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and TikTok in the run-up to the state election.
Caretaker chief minister Chow Kon Yeow said social media is an important platform to counter any fake news or irresponsible propaganda.
“Each caretaker assemblyman should have their own team to monitor and counter fake news or dirty tactics used by the opposition on social media,” he said.
Chow reminded all politicians to focus on a clean and positive campaign for the state election.
“It should be all about policies and future plans and explaining how the people could help us realise this goal,” he added.
While recognising the usefulness of social media, Chow said, for him, the traditional style of house-to-house visits and ceramah (campaign speeches) still works best, especially in courting the fence sitters.
However, the caretaker state government will not neglect to use social media to woo the younger generation, he added.
“We will reach out to the people, especially the first-time voters and the Undi18 group. This can help us disseminate our policies and future plans speedily,” he said.
Meanwhile, Perikatan Nasional said they will make their presence felt on social media.
“Perikatan will use mostly TikTok, Instagram, WhatsApp and WeChat to reach out to young voters.
“We will still do physical ceramah but on a smaller scale, except on the eve of polling when we will hold the ‘mega ceramah’,” said Penang Perikatan deputy chairman Oh Tong Keong, who is also Penang Gerakan chief.
Perikatan will be contesting all 40 state seats in Penang, with Gerakan standing in 19.
In KUALA LUMPUR, Deputy Communications and Digital Minister Teo Nie Ching also reminded fellow politicians to refrain from spreading fake news in the lead-up to polling on Aug 12.
The DAP national publicity secretary said there is a high likelihood of inaccurate and fake news circulating before the elections.
“As politicians, we have to have principles. Don’t be the ones who spread fake news. This is also a reminder to myself.
“To all my friends out there, whether we belong to the same political party or not, we must remember that as elected representatives or politicians, we are all Malaysians.
“So don’t do anything that can ruin our beloved country,” she said when appearing as a guest on the Selamat Pagi Malaysia programme on TV1 yesterday, as reported by Bernama.
Teo also urged Malaysians to join their fight against fake news.
“We must not allow fake news to cause lasting harm to our unity. Any differences of opinion should not disrupt or damage our relationship with one another,” she said.
