THE government plans to start its own blog to disseminate information and receive feedback from the people.

However, Information Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek said he needed to hear from various parties before proceeding.

This includes getting advice from his ministry's legal department as well as the Attorney-General's Chambers.

"We want to know the implications if we start an official government blog. Countries like the United States and India have blogs but before we can follow their footsteps, we need to sort out various issues like what can we do if someone post seditious remarks," he said at the Parliament lobby yesterday.

Earlier in the Dewan Rakyat, Ahmad Shabery said in reply to Hamim Samuri (BN-Ledang) that the decision to invite three bloggers, deemed critical of the government, to speak on a programme on blogs on RTM, was part of the government's policy of openness.
He said the 20-minute weekly programme on Sunday attracted some 200,000 viewers when the three bloggers were featured.

He said he had also met several bloggers to discuss their online activities.

"Regarding their views, which might not be suitable in the context of our country, I believe they should take into consideration what should and should not come out.

"Those who spread rumours and instigate others will face the full brunt of the law."