Finally the Sarawak Report ( SR ) website was officially blocked by the government of Malaysia. Whether or not the block would be effective in stifling the flow of information is a separate issue. The official message to Malaysians and the whole world is that the government of Malaysia could no longer tolerate the information as contained or carried in that website.

The reasons given thus far to justify the block are varied. The website was blamed for asking too many questions, ‘spreading malicious propaganda’, ‘allowing falsification of facts’, and ‘committing defamation and sedition’. The actions were deemed traitorous which may or have affected national stability and security.

But I don’t think blocking the website would be effective even if the reasons given above are valid. Cyberspace is just too porous nowadays. Malicious propaganda, falsification of facts, defamation and sedition would have persisted unabated come what may. The government of Malaysia may end up with more egg on the face than solving the problems.   

I believe there are definitely better ways to handle the ‘countless questions, malicious lies and falsehoods’, if indeed 1MDB and the government have nothing to hide.    

First, if SR or anyone asks questions, just answer them - pointedly, coherently and comprehensively. Please don’t beat around the bush or worse still, answer a question with another question. I can assure 1MDB and the government that if all questions are answered dutifully and respectfully, in no time they will run out of questions. There is no necessity to block the website.  

Second, what could be more effective than countering falsehood with truth? Do not be afraid of lies; overcome them with truths, facts and figures. Soon, liars would have nothing else to say.

Third, counter slander and defamation with lawsuits. Don’t just threaten to sue, bring them to court and sue the slanderers and defamers to bankruptcy.

Fourth, investigate and prosecute those who have committed sedition detrimental to national security and stability. Our sedition laws are more than adequate, I believe.   

Fifth, counter malicious propaganda with our own TV channels and other mass media.  I am sure 1MDB and the government could afford public relation and propaganda experts of their own.  Counter them with evidence, facts and figures, I am sure the malicious propaganda will die a natural death.  

However, if answers, facts, figures and truth are not with 1MDB and the government, then I guess there is no way out!