Minister Mulls Taking Action Against News Portals Over Readers Comments

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Communication and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo is mulling the need to take action against operators of news portals who allow their readers to post comments which touch on racial and religious sensitivities, as well as the royal institution

He said if the operators of news portals do not monitor such comments, it could fuel anger and lead to bigger problems
“I have received numerous complaints from the public who say there appears to be no monitoring on the part of the portal operators with regard to the comments posted
“I am deliberating whether there is a need to formulate a new law. This is still being deliberated and has not been brought to the cabinet as yet,” he was quoted as saying by Bernama
Gobind told reporters this in Parliament when commenting on the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah's inaugural address to the Dewan Rakyat when officiating the first meeting of the second session of the 14th Parliament this morning
Read more: King: Cultivate genuine racial unity, not mere slogansAmong others, Sultan Abdullah told social media users to act within the confines of the law
Meanwhile, Gobind said operators of news portals must be cautious and accept full responsibility in ensuring their comments section do not invite problems.
“The message conveyed by His Majesty is clear that in this era, we depend on social media. At the same time, we must give priority to national harmony and security,” he added
The DAP lawmaker also said his ministry has prepared several amendments to the law which it hopes to table in this parliament session
However, he did not reveal the details
“I hope to have the time to table these amendments during this session. I will inform the public of the amendments once they are tabled." - Mkini

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