NST: Sunday Interview: Blogging - Self-censorship the name of the game

Much has been said about the need to censor the Internet, with counter points raised by those campaigning to maintain freedom in cyberspace. The Government has qualified its hands-off policy by saying that blogging should come with responsibility. Deputy Internal Security Minister Datuk Fu Ah Kiow and Opposition leader Lim Kit Siang share their views on the debate with V. VASUDEVAN.

Datuk Fu Ah Kiow, Deputy Internal Security Minister



Q: What is the official stand on calls to censor the Internet?

A: There are no laws to facilitate this. Our Bill of Guarantees promises freedom over the Internet. But there is a need for self-censorship.
There are other laws which can be used against those who publish material deemed inflammatory.
For instance, we have the Sedition Act which can be used if the contents of a blog results in a crime. The Penal Code can be used to prevent people from causing unrest among the public.
The Malaysian Government is liberal on the issue when compared to other nations like China. We are liberal, but let us not abuse this.
A case in point is the comment in a blog where readers were urged to "shoot to kill" a local journalist.
Bloggers who are irresponsible have to face the consequences.


Q: But Internet content providers and bloggers argue that they are a responsible lot.

A: By and large, most are. Maybe a small percentage are not. But even that small percentage can be capable of disrupting peace and causing nationwide unrest.
A website suggested police involvement in the pepper spray incident involving Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. The report was eventually pulled out but a lot of people had, by then, assumed that the police had a hand in it.
Last week, irresponsible people used an SMS to spread a message with a racial undertone and attributed it to the Sin Chew Jit Poh. The newspaper had to lodge a police report after getting queries from the public.
I am not saying we should have laws to censor the media. Technically, it could be difficult, especially if the IP address is from abroad.


Q: Has anyone been charged under any of the Acts you just mentioned?

A: Police investigate every case reported to them. Our laws are such that we have to have solid evidence to prove a case. In the case of the website that touched on the pepper spray issue, it was irresponsible of them. When you arouse suspicion, it is equivalent to undermining the credibility of the police.
You are undermining the people’s confidence in the force. People should not sensationalise to attract readers. If you are irresponsible, you have to face the music.


Q: What about bloggers operating behind a veil of anonymity?

A: If it is a site hosted within the country, we can take action, but if it is hosted outside, we can’t. I advise the public not to abuse their freedom.


Q: Your advice to bloggers?

A: Be responsible, carry balanced reports, exercise self-censorship and do not sensationalise just for the sake of gaining readers. As for readers, please read blogs with a questioning mind, double check and verify reports published by bloggers or Internet publications.

Q: But some people say it is all right for whistleblowers to use the Internet.

A: Again, the question is whether one is abusing the Internet. Whistleblowers can send letters to the authorities, like the Anti-Corruption Agency.
If you put it on the Internet, everybody will suspect someone. What if the news turns out to be untrue?


Q: Are there plans to amend the Sedition Act or Penal Code to cater for those abusing the Internet?

A: There is no need for that. The current laws are adequate to deal with people who abuse the Internet or the Short Messaging Service.


Q: Some newspaper editors have complained that it is not a level playing field where Internet newspapers or bloggers are concerned.

A: We are fully aware of the anomaly. Honestly, we don’t have the answer to this, but we are looking into it. We are not looking to amend the Printing Presses and Publications Act.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has advised the media to refrain from believing everything on the Internet.
The print media must maintain the credibility it has earned over time. The Internet has a problem with this in respect of reliability of news. At the moment, the primary source of reliable news is the print media.



Lim Kit Siang, Opposition Leader:



Q: How long have you blogged?

A: It’s coming close to a year. Blogging is a means of self-expression enabled by the Internet. It should be encouraged, not deterred.
Everybody (bloggers and authorities) should be responsible and play their part. It is a worldwide trend that allows people to interact.
If we want to move into the Internet age and encourage openness, we should encourage blogging.


Q: Some quarters have called for censorship of the Internet and bloggers.

A: This is wrong. It communicates a wrong message that there is a fear of cyberspace. There should not be any pre-censorship to blogging either, like newspapers which are subjected to it by way of the Printing Presses and Publications Act. The very idea of censorship is outrageous.
You can’t control local bloggers using foreign servers. It is ridiculous. We should encourage the use of the Internet if we want to move towards an open society.


Q: What about those who flout the law?

A: As and when there is a violation, the authorities should look at them and deal with them according to the relevant laws. But don’t gag blogging or the Internet.


Q: The call for censorship appears to revolve around claims that bloggers are touching on sensitive issues. How have you prevented this in your blog?

A: When I started, I allowed everyone to post their comments on my weblog. There were some problematic postings. To avoid this, I asked people posting for the first time to register their details. Their posting was only posted once their details had been checked. They were then allowed to post freely.
But I do monitor the blog to ensure they do not post offensive remarks or remarks that touch on sensitive matters. My assistants help monitor the blog.


Q: What, if despite this, someone hacks into your blog and posts offensive statements?

A: I don’t rule out the possibility of hacking. But when that happens, you can immediately take action by simply informing the authorities.
That should help stave off government action.


Q: Some blog anonymously. Is it important for bloggers to identify themselves?

A: Of course. Credibility is strengthened if the identity of the blogger is revealed. There are situations where I suppose it is all right to be anonymous. For example, in the case of those in private or public sector companies who want to reveal a wrongdoing, I suppose it is acceptable. But it must be responsible. The blog must not be used to attack people.


Q: What is your blog about?

A: I write about national concerns. It is not a party blog, but the blog of a party leader.