Duo quizzed over FB group 'inciting racial, religious tensions'
The MCMC has questioned two administrators of a Facebook group over a recent controversy involving Hindu temples.
It alleged that the Facebook group served as “the main platform for the dissemination of information and comments believed to be capable of inciting racial and religious tensions, and thereby causing public disorder”.
Summary
MCMC questions two Facebook group admins for allegedly inciting racial and religious tensions over Hindu temples and seized a phone and SIM card for investigation.
Meta removes 106 of 110 flagged posts from the group, while MCMC warned against online hate speech. The issue stemmed from the relocation of a Hindu temple, which has since been resolved.
The MCMC has questioned two administrators of a Facebook group over a recent controversy involving Hindu temples.
It alleged that the Facebook group served as “the main platform for the dissemination of information and comments believed to be capable of inciting racial and religious tensions, and thereby causing public disorder”.
In addition, it said the commission has filed 110 takedown requests to Facebook owner Meta to remove allegedly racist contact in the offending group.
Meta subsequently found 106 of them in violation of its community guidelines and removed them accordingly.
According to the MCMC statement today, the questioning took place at its headquarters in Cyberjaya on March 27 at 9pm, following complaints from the public.
A handphone and SIM card were seized to facilitate investigations.
The case is being investigated under the recently amended Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which is punishable with up to RM500,000 fine, up to two years imprisonment, or both.
“The MCMC advises the public not to abuse network services and online applications to upload content that could incite hatred towards any race or religion.
“Such actions are not only in violation of the law but could threaten the harmony of the nation’s multiracial society,” it said.
The MCMC did not name the Facebook group being investigated or its administrators, as per usual practice for cases that are yet to be formally charged in court.
READ MORE: KINIGUIDE | Exploring temple crisis in the heart of KL
Retaliation
Last week, the Malaysia Council of Hindu Temples and Hindu Associations (Mahima) urged the MCMC to block the Facebook group “Rumah Ibadat Haram Dibina Dimana Hari Ini?” (Where are illegal houses of worship being built today?), where commentators posted post pictures, videos, and locations of small temples and shrines.
Mahima president N Sivakumar criticised the page administrator for exaggerating the whole issue, adding there was no point in posting comments on it as it would only trigger retaliation.
The issue began with a controversy around the relocation of the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman temple in Kuala Lumpur, which will be demolished to make way for a mosque.
The issue has since been resolved amicably as the temple committee has struck a deal with the Kuala Lumpur City Hall over the relocation.
