Utusan Malaysia today declared that Singapore, the republic that has often earned the Umno-owned newspaper's scorn, could better protect Islam than Malaysia.

 

In an editorial piece by the newspaper under its pseudonym Awang Selamat, it said unlike Malaysia, Singapore was much swifter in acting against seditious content involving race and religion on the Internet.

 

"Based on Awang's observation, the interest of Islam is better 'protected' in the cyber world in our neighbouring country compared to Malaysia.

 

"Their authorities not only act swiftly but also without favour," it said in Mingguan Malaysia today, the Sunday edition of Utusan Malaysia .

 

The newspaper took issue that Siti Fairrah Ashyikin Kamaruddin, or Kiki, a Malay, was swiftly charged for road rage against a senior citizen.

But action has yet to be taken action against Facebook user Kelvin Yip, a Chinese, who slammed Muslim prayers aired over loudspeakers.

"The issue is why when a Malay individual does something, action is swiftly taken - so proactive - without first waiting for the public's reaction?

 

"The action taken is selective," it said.

 

Traffic deadlock

Heaping further but rare praise of Singapore, the newspaper also weighed into the 480 percent toll hike at the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex which prompted more than three hours of traffic deadlock as some bus drivers refused to pay.

 

"Not long ago, bus drivers in Singapore that were on strike were charged in court and jailed.

 

"Therefore Awang hopes the strike by factory bus drivers at the CIQ who opposed paying the toll hike and the vehicle permit entry fee by taken stern action," it said.

 

Meanwhile, in a separate report in Mingguan Malaysia , inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar ( right ) said the police are investigating the matter and is seeking the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission's (MCMC) help to identify the culprit.

 

"We will not sit idly when the law is broken," he was quoted as saying.

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