The proponents of communism, who try to revive the ideology, have lost their minds, said Information Communication and Culture Minister Dr Rais Yatim.

rais yatim pc 020709 02 Thus, he said the public should not be hoodwinked by them as they did not appreciate country's history.

"The anti-communist movement must be widespread as enshrined in the constitution and embedded in the democratic system as the Communist Party of Malaya was outlawed.

"Therefore, any teachings and practices propagated by them are deemed illegal and cannot be practiced in our country," he told reporters after opening the Ex-Policemen Association of Malaysia's 35th annual general meeting today.

He said it was necessary for all quarters, including ex-policemen, to play a role in explaining the communist atrocities and agenda to the community, especially in the rural areas.

Rais said the ministry planned to enlist the services of experienced ex-policemen in thwarting attempts to spread the communist doctrine.

Probe on photos posted by website

In another development, Rais the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission was investigating the Malaysian Insider news portal over the posting of pictures related to July 9 rally.

He said the government was awaiting the outcome of the investigation to determine the validity of the pictures posted.

"The ministry is very objective on the question of law and does not want to exceed certain powers. Therefore, the authorities will be truly neutral and permitted by the law," he said.

In his speech, Rais called on parents to ensure that their children acquire the knowledge and skills on the use of technology and new media so that they would not be left behind and deceived by irresponsible western elements.

At the ceremony, he presented 20 1Malaysia netbooks to ex-policemen's children and a RM40,000 cheque from the ministry to the ex-policemen association.

- Bernama