PETALING JAYA: With just days leading up to the Bersih 4 rally this weekend, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has announced its decision to block access to all websites furnishing information to the general public about the event.
In a posting on its official Facebook page, the commission said this directive was issued following an announcement by the Home Ministry that the rally was “illegal” and a “threat to national stability”.
As such all websites that “promote, spread information and encourage people to join the Bersih 4 rally” will now be blocked from access by the general public, MCMC’s statement read.
The commission also said that according to the ministry’s statement, Bersih was spreading propaganda through the dissemination of leaflets to incite the people to view the government negatively.
It also said that Bersih was tarnishing the country’s image, posing a threat to public peace and order, safety, economic prosperity and the sovereignty of the state.
MCMC cautioned members of the public about being careful when sharing information via social media and websites, specifically in regard to content that contravened Malaysian laws.
Reacting to the news, Bersih 4 organiser and chair of Bersih 2.0 Maria Chin Abdullah said, “We heard of the MCMC ban earlier today, which is something that violates our right to information.
“We suggest they reconsider (the directive) as this would not be good for the rally… and we are protesting this very strongly,” she was quoted on Malay Mail Online as saying.
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