Don’t let Internet cause religious and racial tension, says Najib
Information, especially derived from the Internet, should not be used to cause racial and religious tension, said Datuk Seri Najib Razak today.
The Umno president said Malaysia's unique multiracial demographic was being severely tested by the freedom and abundance of information.
"From cyber-bullying until lawsuits are filed, the Internet era has raised new questions over the limits of freedom of expression.
"This is especially so in a nation comprised of multiracial and multi-religious communities like Malaysia," Najib said.
"We should not allow the Internet to become a medium to cause religious and racial tensions between the different communities."
Najib said this while officiating an international forum being held in conjunction with the Umno general assembly at the Putra World Trade Centre this morning.
"There have been incidents where the Internet was used to spread lies and half-truths," said Najib, who is also the prime minister.
"Therefore, everyone has a responsibility in thinking about the content and information which they are spreading and sharing.
"Internet users should be aware of the fact that not everything on the Internet can be accepted as the truth."
Najib said open discussions should be encouraged although they should be carried out in a healthy manner.
"Justified criticism should be encouraged, it is part and parcel of a healthy debate," Najib said.
"But sometimes, the content of a discussion can cross a line, trespassing on privacy, breaking the law or cause physical threats."
Najib said today, the Internet provided instant information on the culture of a country and its people.
"For the youth, those who grew up with the Internet, it is no longer something unique or a right but part of their daily lives."
Although the Internet has been viewed as offering many benefits, Najib also said it was the cause of many disruptions in daily lives.
"Unfortunately, the era of information also appears to be the era of interruptions and disruptions.
"We should know there is a time to hang up, to converse face-to-face instead of through FaceTime.
"This depends on the individual and the family."
Social media and alternative news portals have been pointed as one of the key factors behind Umno's dismal performance in the 2008 and 2013 general elections. – November 24, 2014.
