Posted by SuperKennyLim | Posted in Media, Publishing Issues | Posted on 4:27 PM
On the global scenario, the libertarian of internet has been questioned for being too resourceful. The irony is that, while some strongly agree for net censorship to be imposed, some stand their ground by taking an extreme libertarian view that people deserve to view whatever they like.
In fact, in most context, pornography and sensitive issue are the only real concerns that provoke cyber laws to dip their hands in the paint. While it is true that majority people who surfs the web have at least visited pornography site once, the liberty of internet promotes freedom of speech.
In Malaysia, Information Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim had threatened to install a filter where it aims to block undesirable websites on the grounds of maintaining racial harmony in our multiracial nation as well as preventing children from surfing pornographic materials through the internet. In August 2009 however, Malaysia Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak announced that the government will not censor the internet as such a move will be ineffective in a borderless world where information flows freely.
Obviously, "information" here does not refer to pornography material, but rather it refers to blogs and webpage where "transparency flows freely". In fact, despite being a culture of pornography, it is also a culture where the mainstream media practices self-censorship by sweeping ugly things under the carpet. Hence, there is a need and demand for uncensored information which only deemed available on the internet. Again, with more alternative media such as Malaysia Kini and Malaysia Insider stepping up to strive for transparency and straightforward reporting, imposing censorship on internet will only cause dissatisfaction among people who already acknowledge the biasness of mainstream media when comes to political and sensitive issues.
However, as much as it is dominant to champion Freedom of Speech in Malaysia, ethical and social responsibility are concerns to be employed by every bloggers and writers. In fact, while freedom of expression is still off the leash, it should be practiced responsibly.
References
- Hamilton, C 2009, Web doesn't belong to net libertarians, viewed on 19 November 2009, http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/web-doesnt-belong-to-net-libertarians/story-0-1111118869227
- Malaysia Considers China-Style Internet Censor, viewed on 19 November 2009, http://www.nasdaq.com/aspx/stock-market-news-story.aspx?storyid=200908060519dowjonesdjonline000453&title=malaysia-considers-china-style-internet-censor
- Malaysia: A Step Closer To Internet Censorship?, viewed on 19 November 2009, http://advocacy.globalvoicesonline.org/2009/08/06/malaysia-a-step-closer-to-internet-censorship/
- Najib: Government will not censor the internet, viewed on 19 November 2009, http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/8/7/nation/20090807143305&sec=nation
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