Malay daily Utusan Malaysi a has launched yet another scathing attack on Malaysiakini , this time declaring that the news portal poses a "threat" to the mind of the people.

The article, cobbled together with quotes from two obscure NGOs, complains that the nearly 15-year-old news portal has no sense of responsibility, often reporting news without facts.

Gabungan Pelajar Melayu Semenanjung (GPMS) vice-president Ezaruddin Abdul Rahman told the Umno-owned newspaper that he wants the authorities to start regulating the online news portal.

"It's time for the Home Ministry and Multimedia and Communications Ministry to draw up some guidelines, especially for that news portal, so that it will be more responsible in its reports," Ezaruddin is quoted as saying.

He said Malaysiakini was hiding behind free speech to promote its own perception and sensationalise the news.

Utusan also quoted Dzulkarnain Taib ( right ) of Malaysia Media Foundation as saying that Malaysiakini threatens the peace and safety of the people because it has no care for national interest.

"We see that Malaysiakini never publishes good or positive news about the government. It is biased... Is this freedom of the press or is there a hidden agenda by its funders from overseas?" Dzulkarnain said.  

A new body to look into cyber laws

Neither Ezaruddin nor Dzulkarnain cited any example of these "threatening" articles of Malaysiakini in the Utusan report.

                            

Meanwhile, the Dewan Negara has agreed to set up a new commission under the Attorney-General's Chambers to look into consolidating cyber laws.

"In simple language, the commission has been formed to harmonise the laws related to cyber activities," Multimedia and Communications Deputy Minister Jailani Johari ( left ) is quoted by Utusan as saying.

All related laws, including those under 1998 Communications and Multimedia Act, are to be consolidated to give better regulatory oversight over cyber crime.

The commission will comprise members from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), Cybersecurity Malaysia, police and other enforcement agencies.