Ban lifted but RPK claims 'hidden agenda'

The cabinet has decided to restore access to all blocked websites, but

MCPX

Malaysia Today editor Raja Petra Kamaruddin remains unconvinced by the sudden reversal.

“I'm always suspicious of their next move. There is always a hidden agenda," he said when contacted.

According to a report in Star online, Energy, Water and Communications Minister Shaziman Abu Mansor has instructed the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to unblock the web portal.

He told reporters in Kuala Lumpur today that the decision was reached at the weekly cabinet meeting yesterday.

Shaziman said following the government's U-turn, the order to restrict access to websites or blogs, including the Malaysia Today news portal, has been withdrawn effective immediately.

First To Be Blocked

On Aug 27, the MCMC under Section 263 of the Communication and Multimedia Act, ordered all internet service providers (ISPs) to bar the controversial online portal based on complaints that the website posted offensive comments.

The errant web portal is believed to be the first to be blocked by MCMC. Previously the online content regulatory body had only acted against pornographic websites.

Various parties had protested against the ban, accusing the government of going back on its no-Internet censorship pledge guaranteed under the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) Malaysia 10 Point Bill of Guarantees.

However, it is unclear whether the ban has been revoked for all web portals inclusive of those with pornographic materials.

MCMC: ISPs Told To Unblock Site

A check with MCMC chief operating officer Mohamed Sharil Tarmizi revealed that his department had already adhered to the cabinet decision and issued instructions to all ISPs to lift the ban.

“Blocking is never a permanent solution. It is just a preventive action and a deterrent. Following this, we’ll leave it to the law to take its course,” said Mohamed Sharil.

However, Mohamed Sharil could not immediately confirmed whether the ban on other websites would be lifted as well.

Asked if he would rule out further action against Malaysia Today and other websites, Mohamed Sharil said: “We will continue to enforce the law as long as offences are committed”.