Netting the Rumours

Aliran shares the government’s concern about irresponsible rumour-mongering on the Internet. These rumours caused unnecessary anxiety and panic in certain parts of Kuala Lumpur recently.

We concur with the government that the Internet should not be abused to deliberately trigger social unrest. But we vigorously oppose the use of the Internal Security Act to tackle the spread of false news.  The application of the ISA, a relic of colonial rule, is patently unjust and goes against the laws of natural justice. It certainly is not in keeping with our much heralded aspiration to create a civil society.

If the government has evidence of a deliberate attempt to incite communal unrest, then those responsible should be charged in a court of law under the relevant laws of the country. It should not be too difficult since Malaysia has so many harsh laws to choose from!

The flurry of rumours and speculations over the Internet shows that many Malaysians are seeking alternative viewpoints using new modes of communication. It suggests a total lack of space and scope for dissenting and differing views in the mainstream media, which has seen its credibility nose-dive.

Had the media been more accommodating in allowing non-establishment views to be published and been seen to be more independent, there would not have been a perceived credibility gap in what is reported and what is actually happening.

The media need to publish alternative viewpoints to significantly establish their credibility for them to be taken more seriously. If they can do that, then no one would pay much attention to rumours and poison-pen letters.

We are also concerned that the government’s arbitrary power to define what is a “rumour”  will marginalise and criminalise non-establishment views that are valid but do not concur with the government’s position.

Executive Committee
15 August 1998