The Election Commission's (EC) decision to monitor the Internet during the upcoming general election has caused concern among certain quarters who questioned if the move was aimed at curbing the opposition campaign further.

In a statement today, Charter 2000-Aliran - which represents 34 civil society and media groups - said the Internet served as a popular 'last frontier' for the opposition and government critics who have limited access to the mainstream media.

"Denied such access, they use the Internet to transmit their views quickly to the public to counter Barisan Nasional's propaganda.