PARLIAMENT Cane social media offenders so as to make the punishment harsher than the current prison sentences and fines, a BN lawmaker urged the government in Parliament today.

Ahmad Lai Bujang (BN-Sibuti, left ) made the suggestion during Question Time in Parliament today, while his colleague Tiong King Sing (BN-Bintulu) backed the call for harsher punishment against such offenders.

"Maybe we should have things such as caning in the law," Ahmad said.

In his reply, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Joseph Kurup said his department did not have the legal power to punish offenders.

Ahmad Lai said that the remarks made in Facebook and other social media platforms have become more disparaging and as such, sterner action should be taken.

Despite the calls, Kurup repeatedly stressed that his department could not implement harsher laws as his scope of job was to promote unity and not so much to punish offenders.

Tiong, meanwhile, blamed the increasing use of Facebook and social media platforms to air sensitive views should be blamed on DAP.

"This is all DAP's fault. They started everything before the general election," he said.