KUALA LUMPUR: Culprits found using 3R (race, religion and royalty) sentiments for personal interests will face action from the authorities, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (pic).
The Prime Minister said this “final warning” would be applied to any individuals regardless of their creed, position and wealth.
“From what I was informed, the authorities consisting of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and the police will monitor all content regardless of their race, position or language they used.
“Anyone who goes against the law, the Constitution, and instigates seeds of divide – the consensus is, not only among the government but also based on discussions with the Malay Rulers, to save the country from desperate individuals,” he said after chairing the unity government leadership consultative council meeting at Menara Dato’ Onn here yesterday.
Anwar was responding to questions as to whether the authorities are also monitoring online content of sensitive issues that were posted in languages other than Malay.
“As the prime minister, this is the final warning, following the push from the intellectuals to safeguard the country against selfish individuals,” he said.
“The situation has been getting more serious. Hence, stern action should be taken against the individuals.”
Separately, 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 when interviewed yesterday.
“As we know, investigations into two politicians were initiated recently for allegedly touching on racial sensitivities in their statements.”
“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.
“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 its 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.
