Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has condemned the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission's (MCMC) recent public warning not to spread false news about the 1MDB controversy through social networks.

Lim ( photo ) said MCMC’s warning was a tactic to scare the people from knowing more about the 1MDB scandal.

He added that the tactic involved “covering up, preventing the public to understand more” about the allegations in The Wall Street Journal report last Friday.

The explosive report claimed that RM2.6 billion was transferred into Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak’s private bank accounts.

“The MCMC should not issue such a warning because those who were victims of false news can sue for defamation in court.

“MCMC’s action is in violation of the freedom of information guaranteed especially on the internet.

“MCMC is supposed to be the supervisors and monitors for the country, and not for BN leaders,” Lim stressed.

No warning when opposition implicated

In issuing the warning on its website, the MCMC reminded the public that it might be a crime to spread these "false news" under Section 211 or 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act of 1998.

 

Section 211 states that no one shall "provide content which is indecent, obscene, false, menacing, or offensive in character, with intent to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass any person". Section 233 contains similar language.

 

Anyone found guilty under these two provisions will be subjected to a fine not exceeding RM50,000 or to imprisonment not exceeding a year, or both.

Lim asked why was the warning issued by MCMC only when there were negative reports involving BN leaders, not when they implicated the opposition.

“When there are false news on the opposition, there was no such thing and no action,” the DAP secretary-general said at a press conference in Komtar today after handing over a financial aid of RM10,000 to the police for the Hari Raya celebrations.

“I still remember when the police and the attorney-general’s office advised me to lodge a police report over false news involving my son which was widely disseminated on social media so that action can be taken.

“However, until now, there is no action. The MCMC has also done nothing about it,” he recalled.

'Stop intimidating public'

Meanwhile, human rights watchdog body Suaram urged the MCMC and the government to stop intimidating the rakyat and uphold the people's right to freedom of expression as guaranteed under Article 10.1 of the Federal Constitution.

Describing the revelations made by The Wall Street Journal and Sarawak Report on Najib as 'shocking', it said that if the allegations are found true, it was a grave violation of the people's trust.

“Given the seriousness of the issue, it is inevitable that the matter will garner much discussion and debate among the people.

“Many Malaysians are deeply concerned and frustrated with the country's current situation and the alleged corruption.

“As a venting mechanism, the people have resorted to creative satire and parody, among others, by giving major film titles a 1MDB saga twists,” Suaram noted.

It said the MCMC's 'advice', coupled with a reminder of the penalty risk, was  unnecessary and akin to threatening the public from discussing issues involving the leaders of the country.

Suaram also pointed out that satirical remark and parody were not deemed as crimes punishable by the state.

A genuine democracy, Suaram added, demanded a system of constant interaction with the people, accessibility at all levels, a public sphere that allows conflicting ideas to be debated, and which provides for full participation in every major decision-making process in matters involving the country and the people.

“Suaram hence urges the MCMC to cease intimidating the people and to respect our right to freedom of expression and right to information.

“We further urge all authorities to act responsibly and reliably in executing their duties and investigations over the 1MDB controversy and to be accountable to all Malaysians,” it added.