Ban on websites and blogs lifted

PUTRAJAYA: The government has lifted access restriction on websites and blogs, including “Malaysia Today” news portal with immediate effect, says Energy, Water and Communications Minister Datuk Shaziman Abu Mansor.

Speaking to reporters at his office, he said the decision was made by the cabinet at its weekly meeting yesterday to encourage people to continue using the Internet and websites as a means to disseminate information.

According to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), there were 126 websites with access blocked from January until now due to infringements of regulations, including insulting religion and cheating consumers.

Shaziman said that a committee comprising representatives from the MCMC, police, Attorney-General’s Chambers and the Home Ministry would be set up to monitor websites with seditious and racially sensitive content.

The government felt that the existing laws and regulations were sufficient and could be used against websites operators who undermine the country’s peace and harmony.

“The cabinet had also asked the Attorney-General’s Chambers to speed up the prosecution of operators of websites considered seditious, inciting racial hatred or insulting religion, if there are sufficient evidence to do so,” he said.

Shaziman said the government was aware that the Sedition Act could be used against anyone who raise sensitive issues on the Internet.

However, the action taken against them previously was a bit slow, he said.

“Matters like this need a thorough investigation. In the United States, if a website published actionable content, within minutes the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) would come in and seize all equipment to secure evidence.

“Perhaps we could move towards that direction,” he said.