Govt, Opposition Urged To Unite In Curbing Online Slander, Incitement

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 4 (Bernama) -- The government and opposition have been urged to work together to find effective methods to curb the increasingly rampant culture of slander and incitement online and on social media.

Fellow of Psychological Operations at the Centre for Media and Information Warfare Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Dr Noor Nirwandy Mat Noordin, believes that both sides must collaborate and seek the best solution, as slander and incitement, if left unchecked, could threaten national unity.

“The government must take a firm stance on this issue (culture of online slander) and proactively provide accurate and reliable information.

bootstrap slideshow

“The opposition must also align with this effort. They must take responsibility in curbing this issue for the sake of our country's peace,” he said when contacted by Bernama today.

His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, in his Royal Address at the Opening Ceremony of the First Meeting of the Fourth Session of the 15th Parliament today, expressed concern over this culture, which caused confusion, hostility, and division among the people.

Noor Nirwandy also said that aside from the government, the public must also play a role by refraining from spreading slander and incitement, as legal action would surely follow.

bootstrap slideshow

Meanwhile, Alliance for a Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye welcomed the King’s call to put an end to the culture of slander and incitement on social media to safeguard national unity.

Lee stressed that Malaysia, as a multiracial and multireligious country, must instil the value of mutual respect to prevent division.

“Mutual respect is crucial in our multiracial and multireligious country. We must honour each other's cultures, beliefs, and values. Using social media to slander others is not part of our Malaysian way of life,” he said.

Lee also emphasised the importance of learning from historical events such as the May 13 tragedy, underscoring that fostering harmony was essential for Malaysia’s unity and prosperity.

“We must learn from history to ensure such incidents do not happen again. True unity can only be achieved by embracing the principles of the Rukun Negara in our daily lives,” he said.

He also urged the government to enforce existing laws and consider new legislation if necessary to tackle hate speech more effectively.

Elaborating on the Alliance, Lee noted that it contributed positively by advising the government on effective strategies to foster harmony and further strengthen national unity.

Meanwhile, he encouraged the younger generation to be wiser and more selective in their use of social media.

"I hope the younger generation learns to be selective with social media by taking in what is good and ignoring anything that spreads hate or division.

“Being mature means understanding what strengthens our country and unity. Malaysia's peace depends on it, and as future leaders, our youth have a vital role to play," he said.

-- BERNAMA