Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan says regulation of the internet is necessary to preserve harmony in Malaysia. ― File pic

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 11 ― Barisan Nasional (BN) strategic communications director Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan insisted today that the federal government is forced to step in and impose strict controls to prevent the spread of “lies” detrimental to national stability because Malaysians have no ability to check what they post on the internet.

Abdul Rahman, who is also the housing, local government and urban wellbeing minister, argued that regulating the Internet is necessary to preserve harmony as social media in Malaysia have fast become a platform used by the irresponsible few to disseminate false information.

“If we cannot have self-discipline, then the government has to step in,” the Umno leader said in his opening speech of BN Youth Malaysia Ride Day, a cycling programme meant to educate voters about the so-called hazard of social media under the hashtag #tolakfitnahsosialmedia (reject lies on social media).

Putrajaya is expected to table amendments to the Communications and Multimedia Act in October that will give the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission more power to regulate the internet.

The amendments could also include registration requirements for independent online news portals, a move critics say was aimed at stifling media freedom.

Despite the announcement, Abdul Rahman said Malaysia still provides the freedom to share information and space for criticism.

“We cannot say Malaysia is ruled by an iron fist or we are against freedom of information… we have spent billions of ringgit to roll out broadband and fast internet. If we are afraid, would we have done so?” he asked.

Abdul Rahman said even in rural areas like his constituency, Kota Belud in Sabah, voters are able to access online news portals deemed critical of the government, which proves that there is media freedom.

“In Kota Belud, they can still read Free Malaysia Today, Malaysiakini and The Malaysian Insider faster than Utusan.

“This is right in the heart of an Umno family so no one can accuse this country of not having media freedom. Such allegation is baseless,” he said.

Calls for stricter Internet controls grew louder among leaders of the ruling coalition after the government took heavy criticism over its handling of the 1MDB fiasco.

With the country's economy is on the verge of decline, many, including Abdul Rahman today, have attributed the problem to lies about the scandal spreading through social media.

The Umno leader also cited the Low Yat Plaza racial brawl that took place in the city here last month as another reason to regulate the net.

“What we are worried about is stability, economic stability. Look at Low Yat… we cannot let this happen. If it comes to a stage where it is detrimental to stability, we must act”.

Abdul Rahman also said instability could give fodder to the opposition, and that containing the problem was key to BN's political survival.

“When they say they too care about peace and so on, I will have to take it with a pinch of salt. If there is instability, this will be their bullet against us,” he said.