MCMC probes another user over offensive remarks against Indians

Summary

• The MCMC has recorded a statement from another social media user who posted offensive racial comments related to discord over Hindu temples.

• The National Unity Ministry had previously filed a report with the commission over a user who insulted Indians and accused them of "building hundreds of illegal temples".

The MCMC has recorded a statement from a customer service officer who allegedly uploaded excessively offensive content touching on racial sensitivities. 

The commission said a smartphone and SIM card belonging to the individual was also confiscated for a forensic analysis. 

“The suspect’s statement was also taken at the Brickfields police headquarters to assist investigations,” it added in a statement today. 

It noted that the case is being investigated under Section 233 (1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. 

The law provides for a maximum fine of RM500,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both. 

The MCMC reiterated its reminder for the public to avoid uploading or sharing online content which promotes hatred involving 3R (race, religion and royalty) elements. 

“Enforcement action will be taken in collaboration with the police against those involved, in accordance with existing legal provisions, to protect public harmony and order,” it said. 

The commission did not name the individual being investigated, as per usual practice for cases that are yet to be formally charged in court.

Racial incitement

Yesterday, it was reported that the National Unity Ministry had filed a report with the MCMC against a social media user who allegedly incited racial hatred by calling for a repeat of the May 13 riots, following the temple relocation controversy in Kuala Lumpur.

The X user, known as Amir Ridhwaan, made inflammatory remarks, including by declaring that the time had come to “wage war against the keling” (a derogatory term for Indians) so that they would “realise their place.” 

In his tirade against the Indian community, the user had also called them “stupid” and accused them of “building hundreds of illegal temples” despite making up only seven percent of the population.

Previously, the MCMC questioned two administrators of a Facebook group, also regarding discord over Hindu temples. 

The commission said it had filed 110 takedown requests to Facebook owner Meta to remove allegedly racist content in the offending group, following which 106 of them were removed after they were found to be in violation of its community guidelines. 

The issue began with a controversy around the relocation of the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman temple in Kuala Lumpur, which will be demolished to make way for a mosque.

The issue has since been resolved amicably as the temple committee has struck a deal with the Kuala Lumpur City Hall over the relocation.

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