KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia activists are crying foul over the government's recent push and promotion of its digital program. Activists say the moves are “hypocritical” and an attempt to deflect the recent crackdown on what citizens have said online. “I think it's a way to promote themselves as being digitally savvy while still arresting and cracking down on free speech,” a blogger based in Johor, who has faced police pressure over comments he has made online, told Bikyamasr.com. “Going digital is fine, but right now, after the protest and arrests, it seems far-fetched,” he added. Malaysia's Prime Minister Najib Razak said his government was hoping to establish a developed digital economy by the end of the decade and has outlined four initiatives for the Digital Malaysia push. He said this week the project will focus on tapping demand for digital products and services, increasing citizens' income and unlocking entrepreneurship potential for the Below 40 group, nurturing a new generation of IT-savvy youth and enhancing SME productivity. Speaking at the 15th MSC Malaysia International Advisory Panel (IAP) meeting, the Prime Minister said the government also agreed to recognize high-achievers in the IT sector. “We are talking about people who can become icons in their own right," said the PM. “Today, we saw a video of a farmer producing seaweed in Kunak, Semporna, with an income of RM450 per month," he said. “However, after going online, she is now earning RM20,000 per month," he added. “That is what we mean about ICT being a game-changer. “We need more such people and will recognize their achievement so that they will become a catalyst and living icon to encourage others," he said. Bloggers in Malaysia are angry that the government is looking to register content published on social media websites. They told Bikyamasr.com that it is an effort to crackdown on freedom of speech and to curtail criticism of the government ahead of elections. “It is very obvious that the government wants to stem the flow of information on social sites like Facebook and blogs," said Sarawak-based blogger and activist Jihan Islam, who added that “this is a breach in the promises that the government would push and allow freedom of expression." According to the Malaysian Information, Communications and Culture Ministry, it is considering a proposal to register content published in social websites in an effort to resolve various issues that have sprouted. Last summer, Malaysia's website protested the government efforts to curtail online content by blacking out websites in the demonstration and anti-government crackdown protest. Deputy Minister Joseph Salang confirmed the ministry was looking into the registration idea in reply to a supplementary question from Senator Muhamad Yusof Husin in late August. “It should not be assumed that the council is a government initiative to curb Internet activities," Salang said. Rais had said that the council, with the involvement of social media practitioners, could become a medium for the discussion of relevant issues. To a question by Khoo Soo Seang who wanted to know what steps would be taken in addressing the symptoms of finger-pointing in cyberspace without strong evidence, Salang said his ministry was cooperating with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to educate the public on social media issues faced by Internet users. He said the ministry had carried out various efforts and activities to create awareness on the positive use of the Internet and social websites. The campaigns, he said, have been carried out in several locations since July 1, including in Permatang Pauh, Penang. Meanwhile, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Liew Vui Keong said the chairman and members of the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to investigate problems related to illegal immigrants in Sabah would be named soon. “The government is waiting for the green light to make the announcement as only the Yang di-Pertuan Agong can make the appointment," he said in response to a question from Senator Paul Kong Sing Chu. Liew said members of the RCI would be made up of people with a deep understanding of the Sabah's illegal immigrant issue and its terms of reference were in the final state of formulation. The setting up of the RCI was announced by Prime Minister Razak in July. But bloggers and activists are not convinced. Islam argued that “this is just the beginning of the election season and we are worried that it will continue to grow and show that big brother is in full swing."
