Study Recommends Formulation Of Policies, Laws To Regulate Spread Of Hate Statements - Aaron

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 11 (Bernama) — The need for formulation of policies and laws to regulate the spread of hateful statements and the introduction of public education and awareness campaigns to educate the public about the danger of hate speech are among the findings of a social study conducted under the National Unity ministry.

Its minister, Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said these findings were obtained from a Study on Hateful Statements in Malaysia conducted by the National Integration Research and Training Institute  (IKLIN), Department of National Unity and Integration (JPNIN) and UPM Consultancy and Services Sdn. Bhd (UPMCS). from Dec 7 last year until June 6 this year.

He said other findings obtained from the study included the implementation of special education programs for media practitioners, including journalists and media managers.

“Implementation of the findings obtained from the study requires the cooperation of various parties and continuous commitment.

“With the right measures, the government can ensure that society lives in a more harmonious environment, free from hate speech,” he said in a statement today.

Aaron said the study recommended nine domains, namely educational institutions, families, religious institutions, government policies, laws, enforcement, leadership, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and social media to be given special attention in efforts to deal with the issue of hate speech.

The issue of hate speech has become increasingly important, critical, and serious due to the rapid development of digital technology and the latest information trends, further fueled by the growing use of social media among Malaysians, he said.

According to him, social media has not only become the main platform for communication and social interaction but has also become a medium for spreading hateful statements.

Regarding the study that was conducted, he said, it focused on hateful statements that occurred in Malaysia without involving issues related to freedom of expression.

It focused on achieving four objectives, including assessing the level of public understanding of hateful statements on social media and examining the impact of such statements on ethnic or religious relations and tensions.

- BERNAMA