Explain Why Suspects Names In Zara S Case Withheld Bung Urges Ministry

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PARLIAMENT | A government MP today urged the Communication Ministry to explain to the public why the media could not publish the names of five teenagers who were charged with bullying Form One student Zara Qairina Mahathir.
Speaking at the Dewan Rakyat, Bung Moktar Radin (BN-Kinabatangan) said he was concerned as there were netizens who could not understand why the suspects' names could not be revealed to the public.
He said Zara’s case had angered the rakyat and caused them to lose confidence in the government.
"Can you make an announcement that the (suspects') names could not be revealed because this is a juvenile case, but the rakyat lack the knowledge.
ADS"So it is the responsibility of the ministry to inform the public that the law does not permit it," Bung said when interjecting Communication Minister Fahmi Fadzil (Harapan-Lembah Pantai), who was delivering his winding-up speech on the 13th Malaysia Plan proposal.
Fahmi responded that he agreed with Bung and pointed to the Child Act 2001, which prohibits the media from publishing names, images, or any information on minors that could lead to their identification.
"There is no instruction whatsoever (to withhold the suspects' names). It's only because of the law," the minister said.
Fahmi added that the ministry also had noticed a trend where netizens are accepting whatever they see on social media as the truth.
Communications Minister Fahmi FadzilHe cited a recent incident where netizens were duped by a man who claimed that he was a pathologist and was involved in the post-mortem on Zara's body.
"But when we checked with the Health Ministry, he was not even a doctor. We were informed that the man also has a history as (alleged) scammer," Fahmi said.
‘Biar Betul’ initiative
Taufiq Johari (Harapan-Sungai Petani) suggested that the ministry enhance its “Biar Betul” initiative to counter fake news.
He called the minister to consider having a daily segment for “Biar Betul” on TV and radio stations, where ministries can provide explanations on issues to the public.
In response to this, Fahmi said while he agreed to Taufiq's idea, he believed such an initiative should instead involve the social media platforms.
This is because many netizens today spend more time on social media such as TikTok, he added.
"Perhaps we should invite these platforms to promote ‘Biar Betul’," the minister said. - Mkini

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