Zahid instructs police to investigate rumours that social media will be shut down

Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has instructed the police to investigate the source of the news which alleged the newly-minted deputy prime minister would shut down all social media networking services in the country.

He said stern action would be taken against individuals responsible for setting up the social website and also those who spread the lie.

"I have asked the police to investigate the news, which has become viral, that I am shutting down social websites.

"Those who spun the lie will have to pay a hefty price," he told a media conference after opening the Bayan Baru UMNO delegates meeting here today.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also home minister, was commenting on a report which became viral on the Internet that he had ordered all social websites to be shut down, beginning next Tuesday.

He said such a lie was spread to give the impression that he was not familiar with the law and to make the social media operators hate him.

"The social webs or news portals are under the jurisdiction of the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). Do not smear my name," he added.

He advised those responsible for creating the false news to retract it and reminded the media not to abuse the freedom of speech to spread lies against the country or party leadership.

Earlier, Ahmad Zahid, who is also UMNO vice-president, said the media should report based on facts in tandem with the journalist code of ethics.

"Do not interpret and spin. UMNO will never compromise," he warned.

He also denied in his Twitter of making a statement on the shutting down of the social webs.

"I have never issued such a statement," he said.