GOVERNMENT LIFTS BLOCK ON WEBSITES, BLOGS

PUTRAJAYA, Sept 12 (Bernama) -- The government has lifted access restriction on websites and blogs, including "Malaysia Today" news portal, effective immediately, says Energy, Water and Communications Minister Shaziman Abu Mansor.


Speaking to reporters at his office here, he said the move was decided by
the cabinet at its weekly meeting yesterday and aimed at encouraging the people
to continue using the Internet and websites as a means to disseminate
information.

According to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC),
there were 126 websites of which access were blocked from January until so far
this year due to infringements of its regulation, including insulting religion
and cheating consumers.

Shaziman said that a committee comprising representatives of the MCMC,
police, Attorney-General's Chambers and the Home Ministry would be set up to
monitor websites, especially those with excessive, seditious and racially
sensitive content.

He said the government felt that the existing laws and regulations were
sufficient and could be used against websites operators who undermine the
country's peace and harmony.

"The cabinet had also asked the Attorney-General's Chambers to speed up the
prosecution of operators of websites which are seditious, inciting racial hatred
or insulting any religion, if there are sufficient evidence to do so," he said.

Shaziman said the government was aware that existing law such as the
Sedition Act could be used against those who raise sensitive issues on the
Internet.

However, the action taken against them previously was a bit slow, he said.

"Things like this needs a thorough investigation. In the United States, if
a
website publishes actionable content, within minutes the FBI (Federal Bureau of
Investigation) would come in and seize all equipment to secure evidence.

"Maybe we can move towards that direction," he said.