Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has demanded answers and he is not likely to be the last one to do so.
Especially since Shaziman Abu Mansor, the minister in charge of the Multimedia Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) - which blocked the Malaysia Today website - has admitted that he did not issue the order.
Lim, who is DAP secretary-general, called on the authorities to immediately unblock access to the website run by online firebrand, Raja Petra Kamaruddin.
He emphasised that the banned was “undemocratic, a serious violation of freedom of expression and a breach of internet freedom assured by the Bill of Guarantees”.
“It proves that the Home Ministry is a Barisan Nasional anti-freedom tool of oppression,” he said.
Raja Petra’s Malaysia Today found itself inaccessible to its readers since last week, when MCMC instructed all internet service providers (ISPs) to block access to the website.Energy, Water and Communications Minister Shaziman, who was away when the ban was enforced, confirmed that it was not his decision on returning to the country.
Meanwhile, Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar has defended the government’s action against Malaysia Today, suggesting it was the ministry responsible for the ban.
Lim is apparently puzzled by the Home Ministry’s usurpation of power in instructing the MCMC to block the errant website when the commission was under the direct purview of the Energy, Water and Communications Ministry.
He is also critical of the MCMC for taking orders from the Home Ministry when it is not obligated to do so.
Khairy joins Dr M in criticising the ban
The Home Ministry and MCMC has already come under heavy fire from various quarters, including Rembau parliamentarian Khairy Jamaluddin and former premier-turned-blogger Dr Mahathir Mohamed.
Umno Youth deputy chief Khairy opposed MCMC heavy-handed tactic while Mahathir pointed out that the government would lose its credibility by blocking the website.
Lim blasted the authorities blatant and crude employment of state power as inconsistent with the widening democratic space in the information highway.
“What was reason for the blockade?” asked Lim, the Bagan parliamentarian.
He said the country’s administration should appear consistent in its liberal approach on Internet regulation and steadfast in its commitment to ensure free access to information - even as controversial or inaccurate as they may often be as in Malaysia Today's case.
“MCMC should immediately stop this nonsense for it would only create fear and misunderstanding, not only among freedom-loving Malaysians, but also the global community, particularly potential investors,” said Lim.
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