MINISTER ASKS BLOGGERS TO STOP WRITING UNTRUTHS

KUALA LUMPUR, April 16 (Bernama) -- Information, Communications and Culture Minister Dr Rais Yatim on Wednesday advised bloggers against writing untruths and touching on personal matters.

He said those writing untruths would be penalised under the Communications
and Multimedia Act.

"They can criticise the government but if they write untruths then we will
take action under the Communications (and Multimedia) Act," he told reporters
after a visit to the Information Department at Wisma Sime Darby, here.

Dr Rais said the matter was also discussed at the first meeting of the new
cabinet Wednesday.

He also said that Prime Minister Najib Razak had agreed to have the official
name of the ministry changed to Information, Communications and Culture, with
the removal of the word "Arts".

He said the three ministries amalgamated into one would undertake greater
enforcement under the Communications and Multimedia Act.

Dr Rais said the ministry would implement the "1Malaysia" programme with
resolve so that it was understood and accepted by all levels of society.

"The implementation of this idea must be integrated in terms of the society,
economy and social interests," he said.

He said the essence of the concept would be explained through the various
mediums under the ministry, and it was hoped that all departments would play
their important roles respectively.

Dr Rais said the Information Department was reminded to give priority to the
public interest in the villages, new villages and urban centres in the delivery
of information and social guidance.

He said information officers in the districts should pool their resources
with all departments under the ministry to produce effective services,
information and practices pertaining to government policies.
-- BERNAMA