Overboard!

The arrest of two bloggers, including a pro-Umno yesterday was a strong warning to new media players that the authority does not tolerate seditious and interracial sentiments content that could jolt national harmony and stability.

Papagomo (pic) and King Jason who were picked up by the police at two separate points were believed to have posted 'threatening' post-general election articles and materials on their respective blogs.

The latest posting by Papagomo contained racial remarks against Chinese Malaysians, while King Jason's posting accused BN of buying votes.

According to Free Malaysia Today, a PKR member in Sarawak had lodged a police report against Papagomo over a comment in his blog that called for Chinese Malaysians to be harmed. Bukit Aman said they were also looking for two other bloggers who may have allegedly posted articles or statements that touched on racial lines.

Police also tweeted that they have received a report against Utusan Malaysia over its front page headlinetoday, ‘Apa lagi Cina mahu’ (What else do the Chinese want?).

According to the police, the matter is being investigated under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for improper use of network facilities, and Section 500 of the Penal Code for defamation.

(I have seen this poster 'Buy Chinese Last' somewhere on a new media channel and I wonder if it deserves some attention).


I am against racial sentiment and anything that could hurt the sensitivity of any race in the country. Media practitioners seldom cross the line in producing daily reports but the mushrooming of new media players like Face Book and blogs tend to make some people go overboard.

We live in a delicate and chronic multiracial society that bars us from absolute freedom of speech and expression. We should be able to recognise the sensitivities and and sentiments before making any statement.

Everybody should be able to tow the line...