Study calls for regulating the spread of statements that cause disunity
PUTRAJAYA: There is a need for the formulation of policies and laws to regulate the spread of hateful statements and speech.
This was among the findings of a recent social study conducted under the National Unity Ministry.
Its minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang (pic) said the Study on Hateful Statements in Malaysia was jointly done by the National Integration Research and Training Institute, the National Unity and Integration Department, as well as UPM Consultancy and Services Sdn Bhd from Dec 7 to June 6.
He said other proposals made by the study included the implementation of special education programmes for media practitioners, including journalists and media managers.
“It’s implementation requires the cooperation of various parties. With the right measures, the government can ensure that society lives in a more harmonious environment, free from hate speech,” he said in a statement yesterday, Bernama reported.
Aaron said the study proposed that educational institutions, family, religious institutions, government policies, laws, enforcement, leadership, NGOs and social media be given special attention to deal with hate speech.
The issue of hate speech has become increasingly important due to the rapid development of digital technology and the latest information trends, further fuelled by the growing use of social media among Malaysians, he added.
He said social media was not only the main platform for communication and social interaction but also a medium for spreading hateful statements.
Aaron explained that the study concentrated on hateful statements in the country, excluding issues related to freedom of expression.
The objectives were to assess the level of public understanding of hateful statements on social media and examine the impact of such statements on ethnic or religious relations and tensions.
