An Internet site, satirising the two incidents of kidnapping of Malaysians off the coast of Sabah, was labeled as defamatory by a Member of Parliament during today's Parliament sitting.

Jamaludin Jarjis (BN-Rompin) produced a copy of the "defamatory" article written by a former journalist, Sabri Zain, and posted on his websites at demon.co.uk and geocities.

The article was posted in a special column entitled Not the New Straits Times. Sabri's article entitled "Tourism Malaysia to promote special 'hostage' holiday package" alluded to the recent kidnapping of Malaysians at two diving islands in Sabah.

"This is clearly defamatory. We must protect the interests of Malaysia and the people of Malaysia from being defamed. When are we to take action?" asked Jamaludin.

Deputy Minister for Energy, Communications and Multimedia, Chia Kwang Chye replied that his ministry was still monitoring the situation.

He said that Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act (1998) authorises legal action to be taken against those spreading defamatory remarks or false news. However, he added, it was the government's policy not to censor the Internet.

Govt watching malaysiakini

"Those found guilty of defamation can be fined not less than RM50,000 or given a jail sentence of not less than one year or both. If after being found guilty, they persist in their activities, they can be fined RM1,000 for each day the Act is continued," said Chia.

He added that his ministry was in the process of creating a content code to be drawn up by those involved in the multimedia industry.

When malaysiakini asked Chia at the Parliament lobby who would be among those involved in drawing up the content code, the deputy minister declined to reveal any names.

Asked if websites outside of Malaysia could also be charged with defamation and spreading false news, Chia said that the Communications and Multimedia Act covers the offences.

When asked if the Ministry was observing malaysiakini, he said "yes", adding that the government was also observing other websites and not only political ones.