PUTRAJAYA, July 15 — The government will take stern action against individuals who post offensive, intimidating and outrageous comments on social media platforms, including WhatsApp, said Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.
He revealed that there has been the dissemination of immoral and intimidating statements, including death threats against Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“After the attempted assassination of former US President Donald Trump, there have been some immoral and criminally intimidating statements being circulated on WhatsApp,” he said at the Communications Ministry’s monthly assembly here today.
“Some said that the ones who should have been shot were not just there (in the US). They hinted at violence, criminal and death threats against the prime minister. It’s okay to have different opinions, but don’t go to the extreme. That’s outrageous,” he said.
Meanwhile, Fahmi said he will meet with editors-in-chief of the Malaysia’s media industry soon following the extreme comments on the news posted on their respective social media platforms.
“I am sharing some firm and strong views because I uphold the King’s (His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim) decree. Even the Cabinet wanted stern action be taken to maintain public order, including on social media,” he said.
Previously, Sultan Ibrahim had reminded the public not to turn social media platforms into venues for arguments and shaming as these actions would only lead to division and conflict.
His Majesty also cautioned against extremism, particularly concerning issues related to race and religion.
Fahmi said the existence of fake accounts on social media platforms is also very concerning as it can disrupt societal harmony.
“What is most frightening is that some Malaysians think they can behave as they please and hide behind fake accounts. This is dangerous and can be detrimental to public order,” he said.
— Bernama
