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Malay Rulers have voiced their concerns on extremism, says Fahmi

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malay Rulers have voiced their worries on extremism, said Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil.

He said he had a few audiences with the Malay Rulers and His Majesties had decreed to him their views, advice and their concerns on extremism.

Fahmi said that was the reason almost all religious councils had issued directives barring political talks in mosques and suraus.

The Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) today advised the people against uploading or sharing hatred content involving the 3R (Race, Religion and Royalty) on social media and messaging applications.

Fahmi said the MCMC's mention of the issue of 3R was a reminder to the people to refrain from crossing the lines and to keep their conduct.

"This is because we find there are people, sometimes they think it is a throw away comment and it is not about a race or religion comment but it is the things they say. They think they can get away with it. They forget that words hurt and it is not just about someone's feelings but also mental health.

"We have to be very mindful and we have to be clear about the law. We have freedom, we have rights but there is a limit.

"I think the police, they are arresting people, they are taking people who make very difficult comments like extremism and it should not happen.

"So what the ministry is doing is reasserting that you have the right to use any platform (social media) but as part of your right to use doesn't mean you can abuse," he said at the forum titled "Youth Empowerment Through Digital Platforms" at the Youth Empowerment Fair 2023 here.

Fahmi said slander was destructive and it was vital for people to be careful with how they used social media and be respectful of others.

The country has laws and it must be respected, he added.

"The Prime Minister has said this a few times, MCMC also came up with a strong statement and we will protect it.

"I took my oath before Tuanku to defend the constitution and I will, if it means stopping extremism," he added.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had recently said the government would not tolerate attempts to incite racial and religious conflict in the country.

He had directed security authorities to be on alert for people who attempted to sow the seeds of hatred by using racial and religious sentiments.

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