MCMC denies creating #SiBodohKauDengarSini satirical poster, says it contains 'false info'

Shortly after the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission's (MCMC) Twitter account was suspended, the commission is back in the spotlight again after a satirical poster circulating online said MCMC has banned the use of the hashtag #SiBodohKauDengarSini, which loosely translates to "Listen here, you idiot". The satirical poster was published by a Twitter account named Bawangmana had MCMC's logo as the letter head and showed Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin in a clown face while wielding the infinity gauntlet.

"The public has been warned to stop using the hashtag #SiBodohKauDengarSini on Twitter. It is a crime when one shares or disseminates this hashtag because it violates the laws of the country under Section 109 Muhyiddin Does Not Have The Majority 2021,” the poster said. It added that if found guilty, the individual "could be find RM35 million or be quarantined for up to a year".

The hashtag #SiBodohKauDengarSini trended on social media recently when a user complained about F&B outlets having to close by 8pm due to current lockdown restrictions. In response to a tweet which told the user to plan her mealtimes in advance, she responded: "Si bodoh, kau dengar sini.". The latest poster appears to take a jab at the restrictive operating hours during the second round of Movement Control Order implemented recently.

In a response, MCMC said in a statement that it did not create the poster warning individuals to stop using the #SiBodohKauDengarSini hashtag on Twitter. "The poster, which has gone viral on social media, contains fabricated facts and consequences that said would impact those who break the law. MCMC will continue to take appropriate steps to curb the spread of false information," the commission added.

Just last week, the Ministry of Communications and Multimedia Malaysia (KKMM) formed an investigative committee to look into the indecent remarks made in 2014 on MCMC's official Twitter account, which is now suspended. According to MCMC,  "several suspicious messages sent through the account were not issued by the commission". The commission also explained that its account was hacked by irresponsible parties".

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Photo courtesy: Bawangmana's Twitter account