M'sian Proposal On Internet Use Wins Positive Response At World Conference

From Normalazwa Jamaludin LONDON, Nov 2 (Bernama) -- A Malaysian proposal to establish an international network of cooperation to advise and guide the younger generation on responsible use of the Internet from a school-going age has won positive response, Malaysian Information, Communications and Culture Minister Dr Rais Yatim said here. He said the proposal called for exposing the young early to the positive values of using the Internet responsibly. "The proposal won positive response because few people think of preventive measures. Malaysia made the proposal because we are faced with a young generation very passionate and enthusiastic about using the Internet. "However, these young people are not guided by any principle on responsible use of the Internet by taking into account the positive values," he said after attending the London Conference on Cyberspace here on Tuesday. The two-day conference began on Tuesday, and was opened by British Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs William Hague. About 700 people are attending the conference, comprising the main players in the cyberspace sector from government, industry and civil society from all over the world. Dr Rais said many quarters had suggested that preventive measures be established as a guide for the young and the matter be included in the education system. "The panel members heard Malaysia's proposal and Hague paid tribute to our achievement in the matter," he said. Dr Rais had made the proposal at the first session of the conference, which was chaired by Hague. Dr Rais was later interviewed by a Kuwaiti television station on his views regarding the conference which will be held again next year, in Hungary, and discuss the norms of behaviour in cyberspace. -- BERNAMA