Malaysia today called on the Asean countries to come together and deal effectively with the increasing use of the Internet for misinformation, said Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

"The misuse of the Internet for propagating and disseminating information detrimental to both national and societal interests is on the rise," warned Mahathir.

His speech was delivered by Energy, Communications and Multimedia Minister Leo Moggie at the opening of the 1st Asean Telecommunications Ministers Meeting (Telmin) in Kuala Lumpur.

Mahathir noted that while the number of websites dedicated to 'hate information' and pornography is mushrooming and becoming more accessible to the younger generation, the current legislation has failed to prosecute those responsible for spreading such information.

"This is where regional co-operation in Asean can be vital," said Mahathir.

Checks and balances

He said that the making of an Asean knowledge-based economy should not overlook the need for a well-coordinated network security system.

"This is especially critical in ensuring adequate checks and balances on issues concerning our national security and identity," he said.

Following the government's effort to boost digital technology in the region (widely believed to be a tool for catching up with advanced economies), the Internet has become common in many Asean countries in recent years.

However, the authorities are getting wary with the widespread use of the Internet as the free flow of information in the virtual space runs contrary to censorship policies and restrictions on information in many countries.

Two years ago, Singapore identified a number of websites deemed unsuitable and banned them from its Internet Service Providers (ISP).

Digital revolution

In recent months, the Malaysian government has announced its plan for new legislation to govern Internet content, claiming that many websites are inciting racial sentiments and causing social unrest. However, details of the new law are yet to be disclosed.

At the regional meeting this morning, Mahathir urged the participants to focus on the critical development of expertise for enhancing the use of communication technology, adding that the local and regional contents should be promoted more.

He said the ongoing digital revolution will promise the region an opportunity to develop their countries according to their own rules and agenda.

Apart from that, he said the advent of new information technology will also offer a chance to change the 'biased' way news reporting is done currently, especially in the electronic media.

Golden opportunity

"Here is a golden opportunity for transforming the work culture of the electronic media where reporting is based on facts rather than speculations and biased views," Mahathir said.

"While bad news must be reported, good news should not be ignored. There is much going on in Asean countries which is positive," he added.

At a joint press conference later, Leo who is also the chairman of the 1st Telmin said the misuse of the Internet was discussed in broad terms at the meeting with other ministers.

However, he said the Internet is an open system and therefore the effort to ensure that it is used positively will require the cooperation of the international community.

"This region should first express its views on the matter at the international fora so that we can all find common grounds. The effort has to cover a global level," he said.

The minister added that there will be policies involved to govern the positive use of the Internet but these are yet to take place.

The two-day meeting will see numerous plenary sessions held to discuss topics such as harmonisation of regional policies, content development and strengthening of information security system.

In today's function, a Ministerial Understanding among telecommunications ministers of all 10 member countries was signed for future collaboration.

Also present was Asean secretary-general Rodolfo C Severino Jr.