The contents of a blog is controlled by 3 acts of laws, the Internal Security Act (ISA), Sedition Act 1948 and the Official Secrets Act (OSA) but it is also given the chance to shine in the protection of the Federal Constitution, Article 10, freedom of speech, association and gathering, but it is subjected to clause 2, 3 and 4 of the Federal Constitution Article 10 and this article is further reviewed by the Federal Constitution, Article 152 (National language), 153 (Malay Rights) and 181 (Saving for Rulers’ sovereignty). I know what I write sounds complicated, but if one would understand, they will ask this question, then why they have the Federal Constitution in the first place if there would not be total freedom of speech?
“We cannot allow such matters flow through uncontrolled,” said the Malaysian Prime Minister, Dato’ Seri Hj Abdullah Hj Ahmad Badawi. He is referring to mediums that are considered defamatory to the government as it could cause unnecessary uprising, riots, racial fighting, religion and a lot more reasons. Well in this case, blogging is being looked at as a serious matter lately as recently two bloggers were arrested and charged under a defamation suit.
The laws are made to protect the interest of the country and for security and for people to breach these laws and question is wrong because Malaysia is a country colored by cultures and traditions. Offenders are to pay a heavy penalty if these laws are breached because the government cannot bear the prospect of people questioning what is defamatory and seditious.
If one would breach the OSA law, the maximum jail term is life imprisonment and one would just have to be suspected to be detained for 60 days or more under the ISA law if one is accused or thought to be defamatory which can affect national security.
So bloggers, beware of what you post, some will say that this is an act of human right violation of Universal Declaration of Human Rights Article 19, freedom of speech and expression, but I say it is a way of keeping the peace of a country intact.
Sedition Act 1948. Viewed on 7 June 2007 at http://statutes.agc.gov.sg/non_version/cgi-bin/cgi_retrieve.pl?actno=REVED-290&doctitle=SEDITION+ACT%0A&date=latest&method=part
Constitution of Malaysia. Viewed on 7 June 2007 at http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Constitution_of_Malaysia#Article_10
ISA and OSA information. Viewed on 7 June 2007 http://www.hrw.org/press98/bck-brif/my-osa.htm
Warning article from PM via The Star Newspaper, http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2006/8/2/nation/15022918&sec=nation&focus=1
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