Govt regularly engages bloggers, says Rais

NST Online » Local News

2009/07/08

Discussions, forums and dialogues are held regularly by the government for bloggers to understand government policies and laws relating to the new media and the Internet, the Dewan Negara was told.

Information, Communications and Culture Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim said bloggers were reminded to act responsibly and to be sensitive when touching on issues to preserve the country's peace and stability.

"We encourage the use of the Internet for informative and educational purposes, and bloggers should use this powerful communication tool positively."

Rais said agencies under his ministry were capable of carrying out their duties and enforcing the Communications and Multimedia Act.

"There are laws that govern the rights of people to communicate through the Internet to ensure that it is not misused or exploited."

Rais was replying to a question by Senator Shamsuddin Mehat on how the government ensures that its policies were understood by the new media group, especially bloggers.

He said the ministry was also working with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to conduct seminars on cyber safety.

"Laws are not enough to ensure that the Internet is not exploited or misused, parents and the community are also responsible so that proper values are instilled in our youth on how to use this powerful tool."