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COMMUNICATIONS Minister Fahmi Fadzil has called for greater moderation in social media postings following the uproar surrounding a corn seller who displayed a signboard at his stall deemed racist.
Fahmi’s remarks came as a reminder to netizens to be mindful of the impact their comments can have, especially in a multiracial society like Malaysia.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Digital Leadership Excellence Graduation Ceremony 2024 today, Fahmi emphasised that while people may feel their online comments go unnoticed, the reality is that social media content is highly accessible and can easily be viewed and shared by a wide audience.
He told Bernama, the potential consequences of posting thoughtless or harmful content, as even small comments can be traced back to individuals, making it important for users to exercise caution.
"Sometimes, we feel that the comments we post won't be noticed by anyone, but in reality, it is very easy for anyone to access information," Fahmi said. "Even netizens can gather various details about someone who posts comments on social media. So, I believe we need to be more moderate in our online expressions."
Fahmi reiterated that the government remains committed to promoting unity and respect among all races and communities within the country.
This call for restraint follows the controversy sparked by the signboard posted by the corn seller, which was criticised for its racial insensitivity.
In response to the incident, National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang revealed earlier that the seller had apologised to the Malaysian public for his actions.
The apology took place on February 16 at a restaurant in Sepang, attended by representatives from the Indian community, local influencers, residents, and officials from the National Unity and Integration Department, as well as the police.
Aaron also confirmed that the corn seller had pledged not to repeat the incident and emphasized the importance of such public reconciliations in fostering national unity. – February 17, 2025