Malaysia to Engage Internet, not Censor

Posted on February 12, 2011 by Action for Freedom — Leave a comment

Source: TheStar Online – By Sira Habibu and Yuen Meikeng

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will not resort to Internet censorship but use it to engage the public, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said.

Najib Tun Razak, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia.

“Malaysians are mature and rational and they know if certain quarters are only out to exploit a situation,” the Prime Minister said when commenting on the situation in Egypt where the Internet was blocked at the height of anti-government demonstrations.

“Our society is more educated and technology savvy and it would be a challenge to manage the new political environment (in Malaysia) but ICT tools can be used to engage the public,” he said adding that he was also part of the Facebook and Twitter community.

“Furthermore, the situation in Egypt and Malaysia is different,” he said noting that at the time of the demonstrations in Egypt the Tenang by-election was being held in Johor.

Najib said Malaysia looked forward to forging good ties with the new leadership in Egypt, following the ouster of long serving president Hosni Mubarak.

“Malaysia will maintain a good rapport with Egypt although there is now a regime change,” he said after chairing a meeting with Umno division leaders.

He hoped for a smooth transition of power in Egypt without any violence and tension and that the new government can satisfy public aspirations.

“We are confident the people of Egypt can determine their destination and future.

“We hope the situation is managed well and the people get the change they want,” he told reporters in response to Mubarak’s resignation early Friday.

Mubarak, 82, stepped down after helming his nation for 30 years, following 18 days of mass protests against his rule. He has named a military council to run the country’s affairs.