The influential youth wing of Umno is pressing for "regulatory control" over Internet bloggers following two widely publicised cases, state media reported.

The proposal was made by Umno Youth chief Hishammuddin Hussein, said Bernama news agency.

"Umno Youth warns that freedom has its limits and we will not tolerate those who touch on the issue of national stability, harmony, cultural values and the personality of national leaders," Hishammuddin said.

Those to be watched include bloggers who belittle leaders in multiracial Malaysia as well as people who mock national symbols and instruments, added Hishammuddin, who himself stirred a controversy when he held up a ceremonial keris at the party's general assembly.

The statement came just days after a Malaysian student in Taiwan upset the government over a video posted on YouTube that criticised corruption among authorities.

Wee Meng Chee, 24, known as Namewee on the Internet, was shown rapping to the tune of the national anthem with a Malaysian flag in the background.

Authorities said they were investigating Wee for sedition, and there have been calls from various quarters in government to have him returned to Malaysia.

Police are also investigating the founder of the popular Malaysia Today political blog for posts that cited alleged corruption.

Unhealthy consequences

Umno Youth spokesman Khalid Mohamad urged government to introduce legislation allowing authorities to recall Malaysians overseas who perform actions that smear the country's image.

Rights groups and press freedom watchdogs have accused Malaysia of using the outdated Sedition Act as a tool for suppression, and have expressed support both for Malaysia Today and Wee, whose video has been viewed by over half a million people.

Leading opposition group DAP, on Sunday warned government of "unhealthy consequences" should it revoke Wee's passport and force him back home.

"Not only would the government provoke national outrage amongst Malaysians and those seeking space for freedom, the Malaysian government would also be subjected to international opprobrium for taking such harsh action," DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng said in a statement.

The Sedition Act is a carryover from British colonial time and broadly criminalises activities with "seditious tendencies," including those that express anti-government sentiments. It is punishable by up to three years imprisonment and a fine of RM5,000.