PAS: Govt can't wash hands over Meta's action against Mkini

PAS has trained its guns on Putrajaya over Meta's temporary suspension of Malaysiakini’s Facebook pages, warning that the government cannot stand idle when measures against the media are seen as heavy-handed and contrary to the government’s declared stance.

PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan argued that the incident runs completely contrary to the ideals of reform championed by any leader or movement that seeks to bring about genuine change.

"Although the suspension was carried out by Meta with the allegation that Malaysiakini had violated community standards, the government has the responsibility and role to ensure that any action taken by any party is not arbitrary - let alone in conflict with the laws of the country and the government’s own position," he said in a statement last night.

Takiyuddin also highlighted that the action against Malaysiakini is not an isolated case, pointing to the RM100,000 compound that the MCMC recently imposed on the publishers of Sin Chew Daily and Sinar Harian.

Such a string of incidents, the opposition lawmaker said, raises legitimate concern about the nation’s direction in the context of media freedom and the right to express views.

"It clearly shows a government stance that appears increasingly anti-democratic and anti-media, inclined to curtail freedom of expression and the right to voice opinions.

"Such an attitude is wholly unacceptable in a country that upholds democracy," Takiyuddin added.

He cautioned that the often-proclaimed reform agenda will not materialise, flourish, or take root in society if the space to express alternative views is not only unappreciated, but instead restricted and threatened.

"A free media and critical views are vital components in the checks and balances process to ensure the government remains transparent, accountable, as well as honest towards its policies and reform aspirations," the Kota Bharu MP emphasised.

Suspension comes after exposé

The suspension of two Facebook accounts run by Malaysiakini on Tuesday came hours after the news portal published a report detailing a network of 263 accounts on the social media platform, which engaged in a coordinated campaign to artificially boost support for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Yesterday, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said neither his ministry nor the MCMC were responsible for the suspension, which lasted for around three hours before the pages were restored.

Fahmi also alleged that Meta’s office in Singapore had told him that the news portal did not ask any specific questions regarding the suspension of its pages.

However, contrary to Fahmi’s claims, Malaysiakini had immediately contacted Meta representatives via WhatsApp and email enquiring about the pages' suspension and the reasons behind it.

‘False support will dumb down rakyat’

Commenting on Malaysiakini's exposé revealing the network of “cybertroopers” on Anwar’s Facebook, Takiyuddin criticised such alleged attempts to cultivate a climate of false support to be used as a measure and justification for government achievements.

"An anti-critical climate and harsh actions taken against critics are not the face of democratic leadership and governance.

"Instead, it more closely resembles the traits of an autocratic, anti-democratic, and even kakistocratic regime, which has no place in any civilised nation today," he said.

He added that restrictions against critical voices and the cultivation of false support will only lead the nation towards regression and the "dumbing down" of the people.

The former minister also said such practices poison the very spirit of democracy and civilisation that ought to be nurtured by all, particularly the government.

The Prime Minister's Office had earlier denied any knowledge of or involvement with the network, stating there is “no basis or necessity” to direct the MCMC to investigate while affirming that no taxpayer funds were utilised for the operation.

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