Boycott: MCMC denies Sedition Act usage to probe McD complaint

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) denies it is planning to use the Sedition Act to prosecute individuals who allegedly slandered McDonald’s.

In a statement, its corporate communications department said MCMC received a complaint from McDonald’s Malaysia but there have been no discussions to invoke the Sedition Act.

The internet regulator also stressed that it has no jurisdiction to invoke the act.

“MCMC has been informed about a social media update shared by a senior officer of McDonald’s Malaysia, stating discussions had occurred between McDonald’s Malaysia and MCMC regarding potential actions against individuals under the Sedition Act 1948.

“MCMC wishes to clarify that this matter is untrue, as there have been no discussions regarding prosecution under the Sedition Act 1948.

“MCMC received a complaint from Gerbang Alaf Restaurants Sdn Bhd (McDonald’s Malaysia), and all grievances submitted to MCMC are handled impartially.

“Regarding this issue that has been reported by McDonald’s Malaysia, MCMC has not initiated any investigation files under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998,” the MCMC said.

It also reminded the public to prevent the spread of misinformation.

On Nov 3, McDonald’s Malaysia chief technology officer Zaid Hasman claimed the Sedition Act would be used against those who spread fitnah (slander) against the company.

That came following calls to boycott the fast food brand following Israel’s ongoing military attacks on Palestine.

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