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MCMC and Malaysian Police investigate FB user accused of defaming PM

MCMC and Malaysian Police investigate FB user accused of defaming PM

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The Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) are investigating a Facebook user whose post was accused of defamation of PM Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Communications and Digital minister, Fahmi Fadzil, confirmed on his Facebook that the owner of the account was found to have ill intent to spread falsified perceptions of the PM by manipulating and circulating an old photo.

The photo, uploaded on 4 February 2023 shows Anwar in the company of several others, being served food which was said to be camel meat. The caption criticises the PM for indulging in such lavish dishes while the people he governs have to settle for ‘Menu Rahmah’ meals which are cheaper meals for low-income groups.

“This Facebook owner has used an old photo (which also my friend Abd Rahman Yusof, who died on June 8, 2021). I have requested MCM and PDRM to immediately investigate the matter,” he said. Fahmi’s post was seen by A+M.

Minister Hassan Karim, who can be seen in the photo said in a Facebook post seen by A+M, "I am called to defend and defend the good name of Prime Minister Sdr Anwar Ibrahim because I know the real thing of this picture because my picture is also in the photo. Meaning what I'm talking about is real facts not hear talk or hearsay. This picture is not in Malaysia. This picture is an old picture, around 2019 before the PH government led by Dr Mahathir collapsed." 

This is not the first time that such falsified posts have circulated. In December last year, Fahmi was accused of being a free-speech naysayer. He issued a statement on his Facebook page saying the move was an "evil slander" by an irresponsible party, and netizens should be checking facts before spreading it. 

Earlier in December, the minister issued a statement at a media conference regarding his position on free speech. He spoke in defence of it, with the caveat being that it should be within the limits of existing laws.Fahmi said that what is spoken in the name of free-speech should “have a basis and can be defended in court. To ensure a balance between free speech and abiding by legal boundaries, Fahmi mentioned the ministry’s commitment to closely cooperating with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commision (MCMC) and social media platform operators in order to discuss concerns over misinformation, extremist content an d its regulatory framework. According to The Star, Fahmi said that free speech should not be used to make baseless accusations or defamatory purposes.

Related articles: 
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MY's new digital comms minister to meet social media firms on misinformation issue
Fahmi Fadzil debunks rumour spreading online

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