Bloggers have come out strong in criticising the government for its ban of Malaysia Today . They claim it is a reversal of their previous commitment to keep the Internet free while questioning the independence of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).

bloggers conference 051007 rocky Leading the charge is pro-tem president for National Alliance of Bloggers, Ahiruddin Attan - or more commonly known as Rocky Bru in the local blogsphere.

He was upset that the government was backtracking on their previous promise of not censoring cyberspace. Further, he was unsure of MCMC's independence.

"I don't see MCMC as an independent body. Especially when they are acting in the interest of the government.

"This will just make people speculate that they are under the direct control of the government," said Ahiruddin.

jeff ooi penang pc attacking umno 300708 02 Jeff Ooi, a blogger-turned-politician echoed the same, saying the MCMC was acting on behalf of the government.

"However, if MCMC decided to take this banning trend to another level (banning political blogs), I can claim immunity as a parliamentarian and I will speak up for other bloggers," said the DAP MP for Jelutong.

MCMC on Wednesday banned controversial blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin's website Malaysia Today for featuring "comments that were insensitive and bordering on incitement."

International impact

Meanwhile Michelle Gunaselan, an editor for ProjectMalaysia - an online journal - said the ban was unhealthy.

"When you block a socio-political site with thousands of visits daily, you are sending out a message you don't encourage discussions. More so when it runs opinions contrary to what appears in mainstream media."

She added that this would have an adverse effect on general trust levels between the public and the government.

"It makes the ban seems suspicious, and it makes Malaysians more and more distrustful of those in power," said Gunaselan.

She concluded that Malaysia reneging on its no-Internet censorship pledge under the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) Malaysia 10 Point Bill of Guarantees will have further international impact, in terms of how the country will be seen abroad.