PM: Those who spread untruths on the Net will be detained

I got a call from Lye Hock in the office this morning, he said "Hey, we are in the front page of The Star". I said that I have not read the papers yet and was wonder what he was talking about. He told me to see what's on the front page of the paper. I quickly logged on to thestar.com.my to see the headlines:

It read:

BLOGGERS BEWARE

KUALA TERENGGANU: The Prime Minister has issued a warning those who spread untruths and slander on the Internet will face the law.

If information in blogs, websites and online portals were incorrect, bordered on slander, caused disturbance or compelled the public to lose faith in the nation’s economic policies, their authors would be detained for investigation, said Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

We cannot allow such matters to flow through uncontrolled,” he told newsmen after attending a briefing on the proposed Islamic Civilisation Park in Pulau Wan Man here.

They say all kinds of things, make all kinds of dubious claims. We cannot allow them to abuse the freedom earned under the media. If left alone, they can say or pass on all kinds of things.

Abdullah also said that those who sent out such information via short message system (SMS) would also be held accountable.

If they abuse the freedom more than the present freedom given without any restriction we cannot allow it,” he declared.

Where in the world is there such a freedom, where one can freely spread incorrect information and slander without having to own up to it?

Asked if he was calling for a control mechanism, Abdullah said he would leave it to the police to investigate first.

It was reported recently that the Internal Security Ministry was investigating several online sites following a string of misreporting that caused tension and confusion among Internet users.

I knew that this event will come one day. I have already mentioned the stupid idea of posting seditious messages on your own blog way back on 10 October 2005. As for me , I knew the sensitivity of words to put in my blog... so I am not worried with the warning by the PM.