MCMC should be given more power to address abuse of social media - Govt backbencher

A government backbencher today suggested that the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) be given more power to address abuse of the social media in the country.

Datuk Shamsul Anuar Nasarah (BN-Lenggong) said there was also a need for a stricter law to address the problem.

"The government should give more power to MCMC and to enforce the internet law more strictly, like in Australia, in monitoring and controlling the internet content more frequently.

"The action by the Malaysian Insider, in using unconfirmed reports, (is) seen like belittling the royal institution is extreme and cannot be allowed because of the fear that it can make the people to feel unsafe as the highest institution is not protected," he said when debating the Supplementary Supply Bill (2014) 2015 in the Dewan Rakyat today.

He was referring to a report on the Malaysian Insider recently on an allegation that the Conference of Rulers was against the implementation of the hudud law in Kelantan.

Shamsul Anuar said the government, through MCMC, should be serious in addressing the matter, as well as to take immediate action to avoid it from becoming viral.

In another development, he said certain quarters were exploiting the Goods and Services Tax (GST) that the situation had created panic and confusion among the public.

Meanwhile, Datuk Hasbullah Osman (BN-Gerik) said all quarters should stop making negative remarks on the GST, but to allow the government to implement it first.

Earlier, Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Chua Tee Yong tabled the bill which was to allocate an additional RM1,921,995,880 to several ministries and departments for additional development expenses.

The Dewan Rakyat sitting continues tomorrow.