PETALING JAYA: The implementation of the proposed law on procedures and enforcement of a “kill switch” to enhance cybersecurity must strike a balance between privacy and civil liberties, say experts and lawmakers.
Siraj Jalil, president of the Malaysia Cyber Consumer Association (MCCA), said the government’s announcement to have such a legislation is a significant step towards enhancing the country’s digital security framework.
“This legislation aims to provide a robust mechanism for swiftly shutting down harmful digital operations in the event of a cyber threat, thereby protecting critical infrastructure and sensitive data.“However, it is crucial that this legislation is balanced with considerations for privacy and civil liberties,” he said when contacted yesterday.
Siraj said such measures are essential in our increasingly digital world where cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated and pervasive. He said implementing a “kill switch” could help mitigate the damage caused by cyber-attacks, ensuring that our national security, economy and public safety are safeguarded.
“The implementation must be transparent, with clear guidelines and oversight to prevent misuse or overreach.
“Collaboration with industry experts and stakeholders will be vital to ensure that the legislation is both effective and respects the rights of individuals,” he added.
Siraj said MCCA would support any policy that strengthens the country’s national cybersecurity landscape.
PKR’s Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Abdul Karim said while Malaysia has the right to safeguard digital security from cybercrimes such as scams, cyberbullying and pornography, the government must strike a balance between digital security and freedom to have access to various social media platforms.
“Our government has to accept the fact of modern life where social media is an integral part of a democratic society like ours.”
He said as an MP, he is concerned that the proposal to amend sections of the Criminal Procedure Code and Penal Code might be used by the current government to silence critics.
Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan urged critics of the proposed legislation to allow the draft to be tabled first in the Dewan Rakyat before jumping into any conclusion.
“We cannot deny that issues such as cyberbullying, sexual offences against children and online gambling are rampant and unfortunately, online service providers are not doing their part enough.
“The question is whether whatever law is being proposed, whether it has enough safeguards, that we will only know once we see the proposed draft,” he said.
Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal said many quarters, including activists, are viewing the proposed amendments in a critical manner.
“This is because even before the proposed amendment is being tabled, we have seen a number of social media accounts being taken down by social media platforms at the request of the government.
“Most of the accounts are critical of the government, which raises issues on governance, economic performance and others deemed sensitive to the image and credibility of the government.
“We would like the government to be more transparent and reveal the details to the public so that backbenchers and the public can scrutinise it even further,” said the Bersatu MP.
On Sunday, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said announced that a new legislation encompassing provisions on procedures and enforcement of a “kill switch” to enhance cyber security would be tabled in Parliament this October.
She said it would place responsibility on social media service providers and Internet messaging service providers to play their role and be accountable in tackling online crimes such as online scams, cyberbullying, dissemination of child sexual abuse materials as well as harassment and sexual extortion.
