Proper Internet Governance is Needed

Formed on 1 November 1998, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission MCMC) regulates the communications and multimedia industry according to Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission Act (1998), the Communications and Multimedia Act (1998), and the Strategic Trade Act (2010). It also implements and promotes the Government's national policy objectives for the communications and multimedia sector.

The official website gives the impression that it is a very structured, organized, and efficient. However, far beyond reading the history, vision and mission, organizational members and leadership, the section on responsibility is mind-boggling.

Clearly, if MCMC had been fulfilling its responsibilities, mission and vision to the tee, our country would not be as fragmented and divided today as freedom of speech has been exploited to the max by irresponsible citizens who have filled net space with virulent comments, insulting graphics, a free-for-all for anyone, anywhere at any time.

In writing, MCMC seems to have it all in place but in practice?

Obviously, they startlingly lack a coherent strategy to monitor contrarian views, seditious or dangerous comments, especially those that directly or even indirectly threaten the moral fabric of Malaysia, our royalty and the security of this nation in a responsible, consistent, and accountable manner that reflects how it is ‘people first’ always.

As an institution, MCMC has failed miserably to play a constructive and watchdog role in supporting government via proper internet governance.

If it did, innocent girls would not be recruited for bizarre missions in the Middle East.

If it did, we would not see an outpouring of hate comments, insulting graphics and Alvin Tan or Namewee would not have achieved the fame they enjoy today.

MCMC lacks the motivation and commitment to engage in long-term strategic thinking or planning to fulfill its functions especially to:

·       Advise the Minister on all matters concerning the national policy objectives for communications and multimedia activities;

·        Implement and enforce the provisions of the communications and multimedia law;

·    Regulate all matters relating to communications and multimedia activities not provided for in the communications and multimedia law;

·        Consider and recommend reforms to the communications and multimedia law;

·        Supervise and monitor communications and multimedia activities; (Source: HERE)

If MCMC has a dedicated team dedicated to their mission and vision and possess or know how to use sophisticated software, it would strike fear or self-regulatory feelings into groups and individuals so that one would automatically think a few times before posting anything defamatory, libelous, scandalous or damaging to this nation.

In the absence of commitment and responsible ethics, we have seen the rise of cyber anarchy, misuse of net space for all kinds of propaganda, crimes etc leading to a proliferation of negative and subversive elements, ethics and ethos in almost all sectors of this country.

When brickbats come their way, MCMC lamely proposes absurd suggestions including the registration of social media users with MCMC.

Consider the recent laughable report that “The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is ready to discuss with social website owners in the United States to close accounts suspected of inciting violence and those touching on racial and religious sensitivities.”

Seasoned social media users know that all it takes to close an account is a barrage of complaints against that particular account and social media such as Facebook will suspend it immediately after it requests that owner to provide identity details such as IC No, jpeg file etc. So what meeting is needed? A holiday in US?

Time and time again, it is shameful to read how individuals have called on MCMC to take action against offenders including banning Facebook (here).

Many times, MCMC only took action after concerned individuals lodged police reports for offensive content. If their inertia can only be healed by police reports, then MCMC should be completely revamped for more empowerment and stricter enforcement or dissolved completely if it has no moral courage to fulfill its duties responsibly!

If they had been diligently carrying out their duties and responsibilities, PM Najib would not have had to announce his recent decision about the Seditions Act.  Our PM has taken the fall for MCMC's failure to do their work.

The power over politics behind the mask of anonymity cannot be underestimated. The need for responsibility in all we say and post is vital for the peace and harmony of this nation. Hence, it is imperative that MCMC gets down to the brass tags of serious business or else they might as well ‘tutup kedai’ once and for all!

As it stands, the government must appoint capable personnel who are well-versed in digital and social media to be in positions of leadership in MCMC. Perhaps then MCMC can finally come of age and we can have a better Malaysia.