Communication and Multimedia Minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek's proposal to study the banning of Facebook has earned him bi-partisan condemnation from DAP and MCA.
DAP social media strategist Yeo Bee Yin warned any such move will see Malaysia's already all-time low World Press Freedom Index plummet further.
"Malaysia suffered a sharp fall of 23 rungs in the 2013 World Press Freedom Index (PFI) from 122nd to 145th out of 179 countries, our lowest-ever position, lower even than Zimbabwe, Cambodia and Kyrgyzstan.
"If Facebook is to be banned in Malaysia, we’ll join the likes of North Korea, Cuba, Iran and China as 'Facebook-banning countries', a path that no Malaysian who cherishes freedom of expression will ever allow," she said in a statement today.
Yeo (right), who is also Damansara Utama state assemblyperson, said there were some 13 million Facebook users in Malaysia and reminded Putrajaya of its Multimedia Super Corridor Bill of Guarantees which promised no internet censorship.
"With the mainstream media freedom being restricted by Printing Presses and Publication Act 1984, internet freedom becomes an important arm in protecting and promoting democracy and freedom of expression in Malaysia.
"Therefore, we’ll not give an inch on any attempt by Putrajaya to limit internet freedom. Putrajaya should stop dreaming about it," she said.
Abuses don't justify closure
Meanwhile, MCA Youth said it was gravely concern about Ahmad Shabery's proposal and warned that it will jeopardise freedom of expression in the country.
"Instead of blocking the site, leaders, especially ministers of the federal government, ought to find out, listen and engage the people on social media," said MCA legal bureau chief Eric Choo.
Although acknowledging that there were abuses of social media, Choo said but it did not justify a complete ban.
"Instead, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission should step up on its enforcement of existing laws against those who have breached the laws through social media platforms," he said.
Choo also stressed that existing laws were sufficient deal with wrongdoers.
Yesterday, the Ahmad Shabery (left) said that locking out Facebook in Malaysia following a spate of incidents related to the social networking site is "radical" but the ministry is studying it.
However, Bernama reported, he said that it would be quite impossible to ban it completely, despite the 2,000 reports of abuse received.
"Many business people are also using Facebook, others to forge family ties and have nothing to do with politics...and the complaints received were around 2,000 only. Should we completely close it down because of 2,000 reports? We need to relook at this,” he was quoted as saying.
DAP social media strategist Yeo Bee Yin warned any such move will see Malaysia's already all-time low World Press Freedom Index plummet further.
"Malaysia suffered a sharp fall of 23 rungs in the 2013 World Press Freedom Index (PFI) from 122nd to 145th out of 179 countries, our lowest-ever position, lower even than Zimbabwe, Cambodia and Kyrgyzstan.
"If Facebook is to be banned in Malaysia, we’ll join the likes of North Korea, Cuba, Iran and China as 'Facebook-banning countries', a path that no Malaysian who cherishes freedom of expression will ever allow," she said in a statement today.Yeo (right), who is also Damansara Utama state assemblyperson, said there were some 13 million Facebook users in Malaysia and reminded Putrajaya of its Multimedia Super Corridor Bill of Guarantees which promised no internet censorship.
"With the mainstream media freedom being restricted by Printing Presses and Publication Act 1984, internet freedom becomes an important arm in protecting and promoting democracy and freedom of expression in Malaysia.
"Therefore, we’ll not give an inch on any attempt by Putrajaya to limit internet freedom. Putrajaya should stop dreaming about it," she said.
Abuses don't justify closure
Meanwhile, MCA Youth said it was gravely concern about Ahmad Shabery's proposal and warned that it will jeopardise freedom of expression in the country.
"Instead of blocking the site, leaders, especially ministers of the federal government, ought to find out, listen and engage the people on social media," said MCA legal bureau chief Eric Choo.
Although acknowledging that there were abuses of social media, Choo said but it did not justify a complete ban.
"Instead, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission should step up on its enforcement of existing laws against those who have breached the laws through social media platforms," he said.
Choo also stressed that existing laws were sufficient deal with wrongdoers.Yesterday, the Ahmad Shabery (left) said that locking out Facebook in Malaysia following a spate of incidents related to the social networking site is "radical" but the ministry is studying it.
However, Bernama reported, he said that it would be quite impossible to ban it completely, despite the 2,000 reports of abuse received.
"Many business people are also using Facebook, others to forge family ties and have nothing to do with politics...and the complaints received were around 2,000 only. Should we completely close it down because of 2,000 reports? We need to relook at this,” he was quoted as saying.
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