Coordination unit needed to tackle 3R issues, says Fahmi

There is a need for enforcement agencies and social media platform providers to set up a coordination unit to tackle issues related to the 3Rs of royalty, religion and race, says Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil.

He said the agencies involved include the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, an agency under the communications and digital ministry, and the police.

He said the agreement on this was reached at a meeting between government agencies and social media platform providers on July 18, to prevent the exploitation of 3R issues to gain political support during the election period.

"We do not want any episodes of disunity due to narrow racial sentiment using arguments considered as religiously extreme or seditious and insulting to the royal institution," he told reporters after an event in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

He said this when asked whether issues related to the 3Rs could not be touched on during the election period even if they are academic and intellectual in nature.

Fahmi said while the country recognised the right to freedom of speech, it did not mean that people were free to slander, instigate others into conflict, and stir up 3R issues.

"I am of the view that our existing laws are for maintaining public safety and security. The authorities are prepared to take appropriate action to preserve peace and unity in the country," he added.

When asked on the charging of Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor under the Sedition Act, Fahmi said it should serve as a lesson to all.