Edisi Siasat Shouldn T Have Been Banned Says Rafizi

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 The former economy minister says the ban gave the impression that the government is hypersensitive.
Former economy minister Rafizi Ramli also defended the burning of a caricature of Anwar Ibrahim by student protesters in Sabah. (Facebook pic)PETALING JAYA: Former economy minister Rafizi Ramli said the whistleblower account “Edisi Siasat” on Telegram should not be banned
Speaking on his podcast “Yang Berhenti Menteri”, Rafizi also defended the burning of a caricature of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim by student activists.
Rafizi said there have been concerns among the public that the democratic space is shrinking following the ban on Edisi Siasat’s accounts.
“Pakatan Harapan had used all mediums available to its advantage to share differing opinions. It cannot be considered no longer good when it is disadvantageous to you,” he said.
He said the ban gave the impression that the government “lacked tolerance”. However, such a perception could be mitigated if the authorities were to block 10 to 20 social media accounts related to scams, he said.
“That is the reason social media platforms were compelled to obtain a licence – to curb crimes such as scams and prostitution,” said Rafizi, who is MP for Pandan.
Last week, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission obtained an injunction against “Edisi Siasat” and “Edisi Khas”, rendering the two channels inaccessible on the same evening. A new account, “Edisi Siasat 2.0” was later also blocked.
The channels were alleged to be spreading content with the potential to erode trust in public institutions and affect public order.
On the burning of the caricature, Rafizi said he would not bat an eye if the same had happened to him.
“It’s their right, as they grow older, they will see a different perspective in life. I don’t see why we should be judgmental, what is more important is that we get the message.”
Anwar has since ordered the higher education ministry and Universiti Malaysia Sabah not to take action against its students for protesting. - FMT

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