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By Karen Bong
KUCHING, June 24: Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) must strictly enforce the law to curb and prevent the spread of fake news, said Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He highlighted this when asked to comment about the recent rampant rumous, fake news and unverified reports circulating on social media regarding Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.
Noting that Astana Negeri Sarawak is handling the matter, he also assured that Taib is doing well.
Abang Johari pointed out that enforcing the law on fake news is not to restrict freedom but rather to establish boundaries within the framework of the law and regulations.
“There is no such thing as absolute freedom. There must be certain boundaries to address issues or situations.
“In fact, I have discussed this with the Minister (of Communications and Digital). We have the law and MCMC has to strictly enforce it,” he told reporters during a doorstep interview after visiting Deputy Minister of Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan’s Gawai open house at his residence in Tabuan Jaya here.
Drawing a parallel with child upbringing, Abang Johari said parents would not grant complete freedom to their children.
“It is the same thing, there must be discipline,” he said.
He also agreed that the irresponsible parties and individuals should face consequences if they violate the law.
Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Deputy Minister of Transport Dato Henry Harry Jinep, Deputy Minister of Port Development Dato Majang Renggi, and Deputy Minister of International Trade and Investment Datuk Malcolm Mussen Lamoh were among those present. — DayakDaily
