FEB 9 — Federal Crime Investigation Department director Datuk Seri Bakri Zinin warned that Facebook and other social network users could face legal action if they posted malicious or defamatory remarks. He thus reminded Internet users not to make offensive remarks or instil hatred through social media.
Bakri might be well-intentioned but his “goodwill” could be interpreted as a prelude of the government to further suppress the freedom of expression.
It is undeniable that the age of the Internet has indeed changed the thinking and behaviour of the new generation. Young people nowadays are no longer as obedient as those in the past. They no longer trust the authorities too. Instead, they believe that it is courageous to provoke sensitive issues and are proud of those who dare to challenge the authorities.
Sharing is a major feature of the online world. Internet users express their views or vote every time they follow and share threads, as well as comment and click “like”. Such a sharing practice has formed the “online surrounding gaze” phenomenon, in which everything can be instantly spread.
From a positive perspective, the phenomenon brings a citizen participation significance. People become more active in the discussion of public issues with less fear and bias. It has highlighted the citizen’s right to express and supervise, while bringing a subtle positive impact to the country’s democratisation and social change.
The best example would be the National Feedlot Centre (NFC) scandal. The active participation of Internet users and their critical remarks have led to the exposure of lies and ignominious acts of some people. Invisibly, it has also formed a powerful public opinion pressure while demonstrating the strength of the people’s power that should not be underestimated.
The Internet, however, also brings some negative phenomena, in addition to allowing positive, plural and rational interaction. Due to different accomplishments and uncontrollable orientation, some Internet users are very aggressive, paranoid and furious. They might use foul language, abusive or provocative words, as well as offensive remarks to attack, as if in an anarchy. They make fuss over trifling matters while turning good things and good people into bad, forming a “network mob” behaviour. It might cause distress and harm or, worse, tragedies including murder.
Should the online world be left as the status quo, or controlled? The question is still being debated. To be objective, online malicious rumours and hatred remarks are indeed terrible and would bring endless trouble. However, if it is excessively intervened and suppressed in the name of management just because of the evil acts of a group of Internet users, it will inevitably worsen the contradiction and conflict between the authority and the public. As a result, it might further impair the government’s credibility.
How should we strike a balance between preventing network chaos and maintaining freedom of expression? It requires rationality from all parties. All Internet users must discuss and express their views rationally to prevent turning management into suppression. — mysinchew.com
* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication. The Malaysian Insider does not endorse the view unless specified.
