Its president, Dzulkarnain Taib said it is the best move to prevent the spread of false information that can disrupt unity in the country.
"Its time the government act firmly to stop the culture of hatred and lies spread by unethical and irresponsible news portals," he said in a statement here today.
The development of internet-based media should be in line with the government objectives and to protect the independence of the internet as contained in the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) Bill of Guarantees.
He said the existence of numerous news portals and blogs that threaten national unity and political stability is a worrying phenomenon.
The orientation and reporting treatment of news portals often touch sensitive issues related to Malay rights, the Malay Rulers, the status of Islam as the religion of the federation and the position of the Malay language as the official language.
"If this situation is allowed to persist, it is likely to affect national unity," said Dzulkarnian, a former chief editor of Suara Keadilan.
Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek said the ministry is studying Singapore's regulations on licensing of news portals to see whether they are consistent with the principles of press freedom and its effectiveness.
Meanwhile, Wanita Umno chief Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil condemned the insult at Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah on social sites recently.
She said the movement was not able to accept the insult thrown at the Agong by any party and appropriate action should be taken against those responsible.
"As mothers, Wanita Umno is not prepared to see anyone destroy our leadership structure. Those who violate the law must face the risk," she told reporters after reading Yaasin and prayers for the late Tan Sri Aishah Ghani, here today.
sounds like the makings of a Malaysian version of Nazi Germany
ReplyDelete