The Malaysian Insight

THE Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) chairman and executive officers should be sacked for attempting to censor social media users, said the Pakatan Harapan presidential council today.

The council in a statement today said the attempt to silence Malaysians venting on the government’s failure in handling the floods is anti-democratic.

“We urge that the MCMC chairman and executive officers be sacked immediately.

“In the 5G era, the government and its agencies must understand that democracy and the rights of the people to speak up must be respected and should never be threatened like what is happening now.”

The MCMC chairman is Dr Fadhlullah Suhaimi Abdul Malek.

On Thursday, the commission admitted that it has reported to Twitter the use of offensive hashtags to uphold local laws.

It said while it respects social media users, it has a responsibility to ensure compliance with the law.

Twitter users claimed that the commission has tried to get the social media platform to take down their tweets, which are critical of the government’s handling of the floods.

However, the platform did not take any action against the tweets despite the internet regulator’s request.

The council said MCMC’s move is reminiscence of days when Malaysia was under dictatorial rule, adding that the country cannot return to that.

“We regret that the commission is being used to shut the people up, especially those who have lost so much in the floods.

“The government and the commission must remember that the people have the right to freedom of speech to voice out on pressing issues, whether it is the cost of living, disasters or Putrajaya’s competence.”

Continuous heavy rain lashed large parts of the Klang Valley from last Friday to Sunday, causing devastating floods.

Other affected states are Perak, Pahang, Kelantan, Terengganu, Malacca and Negri Sembilan, with waters reaching up to roof-level.

Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s government has been criticised for its slow response in helping flood victims.

The floods have displaced 52,095 people and left 41 others dead, while eight others are still missing. Rescue and clean-up efforts are ongoing. – December 25, 2021.