Experts urge harmony and accountability to fight cyberbullying
PETALING JAYA: A new year has dawned, and it may be a good time to stop being haters, and have empathy and love instead. Also, being a hater may prove costly.
Malaysia has now introduced Section 507D(2) to the Penal Code to fight cyberbullying, a rule which has been named “Esha Clause” in memory of 29-year-old Rajeswary Appahu, known as Esha (pic), a victim of cyberbullying who lost her life last year.
The clause criminalises any words or actions used to threaten, insult or defame with the intent to provoke self-harm or harm to others. Offenders can be jailed for up to one year, fined, or both.
The “Esha Clause” is a solemn reminder of the need to transform social media from a breeding ground of hatred into a space of empathy and support, say activists.
They advocate a dual approach of empathy and accountability to fight the scourge of anonymous hate on social media.
Moderation advocate Anas Zubedy felt many of those who exhibit hateful behaviour on social media are not inherently malicious but are often dealing with personal struggles.
“Many who engage in nastiness online are intelligent professionals. They have wounded hearts and seek an outlet for their internal sufferings.
“They use social media to hide behind anonymity. Our society lacks channels for individuals to release their emotions constructively,” he said yesterday.
To counteract this, he urged individuals to respond to hate with love and understanding rather than retaliation.
“Conquer hate with love. Emotional outbursts can only be dealt with by a bigger heart,” he advises.
Anas said he usually responds kindly or simply blocks hateful messages.
“Arguing is futile if the person is unwilling to change.”
Anas also suggested social media etiquette education in schools to teach respectful engagement, effective disagreement and constructive feedback.
Tawfik Ismail, another moderation advocate, said there is a need for transparency and accountability on social media.
He supported the idea of legislating full disclosure, requiring users to provide their real names and details online.
“Anonymity allows individuals to express themselves without accountability. Legislation enforcing full disclosure would make enforcement possible,” he said.
Tawfik also drew parallels between modern online hate and past practices like poison pen letters, saying the underlying reasons for such behaviour remain the same.
He too stressed the importance of education and moral upbringing.
“Dealing with moral behaviour starts at home and in education. Peer pressure plays a crucial role, as people often seek to be liked and admired,” he said, adding that ignoring online bullies can be an effective strategy.
“The less of an audience, the less of an encouragement they get.”
He also recommends using humour to defuse accusations.
“It’s our reaction that creates an audience, so sometimes it’s best to make a joke out of it,” he said.
Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) vice-president and legal adviser Datuk Indrani Thuraisingham said online positivity starts with ourselves.
“Pause before posting to consider whether a comment adds value, kindness or constructive feedback.
“Practise the Golden Rule – treat others online as you would like to be treated,” she said, adding that social media users should ask themselves: “Would I say this face-to-face?”
She also encouraged spreading positivity by complimenting others, sharing uplifting content and celebrating successes.
