A second warning has gone out from the Internal Security Ministry to newspapers against publishing 'anti-government content' from news portals and blogs.

Reiterating a warning on March 13, a circular dated yesterday and signed by Publications Control and Al-Quran Text Unit secretary Che Din Yusof noted that "statements and news reports" from Internet sites are still being published.

"The ministry reminds the media to be cautious and to avoid publishing speculative and false news from the cyber-media, especially on sensitive issues that could give rise to negative perceptions about the government," said the circular, a copy of which was made available to malaysiakini. [Click here to see the letter]

"We therefore seek your co-operation not to exploit or publish news from 'cyber media' because this is frequently found to be inaccurate, speculative and false. This also violates journalism principles and ethics that stress the media's integrity and its responsibility to society."

The circular, written in Bahasa Malaysia, also cautioned the media not to flout the law, in particular Section 8(A) of the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984, which prohibits the dissemination of false news with "bad intentions".

The law further sets conditions for newspaper operations, including a stipulation that publishers must "always comply with directives issued by the ministry from time to time".

"The government is of the view that frequently picking up issues from the cyber-media will lead to public anxiety and anti-government sentiments that would definitely affect political stability and national leadership," it said.

'Gentle reminder'

The circular reminded the media that, as disseminators of information and shapers of public opinion, they have a duty to be responsible in ensuring that reports are accurate "to drive economic growth and national development" and to safeguard harmony among Malaysians.

When contacted today for clarification, Che Din described the contents of the circular as a "general reminder... a guideline" for the press.

Asked what was deemed to be 'sensitive issues', he referred to recent high-profile religious conversion cases.

"These have shocked the people," he claimed.

As to what on the Internet had led to 'anti-government sentiments', Che Din cited the 'bocor incident' where two Barisan Nasional MPs had made sexist remarks in Parliament.

The incident caused public outrage, leading to the duo having to issue an apology to Malaysian women.

The circular came hot in the heels of the revelation of letter issued by Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) directing all private owned TV stations to stop airing opposition speeches.

The one-page letter. which was published by malaysiakini last Friday, stressed that the directive should be implemented immediately. [See original letter]

However four days later, the government ordered for the directive to be retracted.