State polls: those who spread 3R rhetoric to face music, says Fahmi

Comms minister says behaviour seen during GE15 will not repeat

KUALA LUMPUR – Fahmi Fadzil issued a stern warning to all parties to refrain from spreading sentiments that touch on racial and religious sensitivities and royalty – known as the “3Rs” – during the upcoming state polls.

Legal action will be taken against those who do so, regardless of their affiliation, said the communications and digital minister.

“There is no perception that only individuals from certain groups will be detained and investigated.

“I need to remind and warn everyone, do not ever spread anything related to the 3Rs. If you do so, be ready to face Malaysian law and the authorities,” he said during a media conference after attending the closing ceremony of the Cyber Security, Digital Economy, and Connectivity awareness campaign at the Pantai Permai Housing Project here today.

He said the country’s democracy should not be tainted by irresponsible parties with the excuse that it was their right under freedom of speech, as what happened during the 15th general election (GE15).

“There are certain parties that irresponsibly and deliberately spread 3R issues, especially during GE15. This will not happen again.

“We do not want democracy to be abused on the basis of freedom of speech for these irresponsible parties to repeat their behaviour during GE15 to spread material that will destroy the people’s harmony and values,” Fahmi said.

To curb the spread of 3R-related information, the Communications and Multimedia Commission has been instructed to step up monitoring efforts during the upcoming elections for Selangor, Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu, Negri Sembilan, and Penang.

– Bernama, June 18, 2023