Compound On Era Fm Operator Isn T Oppressing Islam Says Fahmi

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Government spokesman Fahmi Fadzil said those who twisted the facts had committed slander with malicious intent. (Bernama pic)
PUTRAJAYA: Government spokesman Fahmi Fadzil has shot down claims that the RM250,000 compound issued to the operator of radio station Era FM over a video apparently mocking the Thaipusam kavadi ritual has “oppressed” Islam.
Speaking to reporters after today’s Cabinet meeting, Fahmi said: “Some (parties) are twisting the facts and claiming that the compound imposed (on Maestra Broadcast Sdn Bhd) is biased and has caused Islam to be oppressed.
“This is slander with malicious intent. (Such claims) also deviate from reality.”
Earlier today, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) explained the difference in compound amounts imposed on Maestra Broadcast, comedian Harith Iskander and Facebook user Cecelia Yap.
The internet regulator said Maestra Broadcast was slapped with the RM250,000 compound based on the recently amended Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which came into effect on Feb 11.
MCMC said Harith and Yap were fined RM10,000 each for uploading offensive content and comments regarding Islam on Facebook on Jan 18, before the amended Act came into force.
“After taking into account that the content involved a public interest issue that has created racial and religious conflict, a RM250,000 compound has been imposed on the company in question,” said MCMC.
“Under the amendments to the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, the maximum penalty is a fine of RM500,000 and imprisonment of up to two years or both.”
Yesterday, Fahmi, who is also the communications minister, said the quantum of the compound issued to Maestra Broadcast took into account the fact that it was not an individual but a company that generated high annual revenue. - FMT

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