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THE Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has called on Malaysians to understand the reasons behind the varying fines imposed in two recent cases related to issues of race, religion, and royalty (3Rs).
The government has urged the public to refrain from spreading misinformation, as it could negatively impact national unity.
In a statement delivered on behalf of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today, senior press secretary Tunku Nashrul Abaidah addressed the issue during the PMO's daily briefing, saying the differences in fines were a result of recent amendments to laws and regulations, which were properly approved, and urged the public to take these changes into account when evaluating the penalties.
“The prime minister stressed the importance of understanding the amendments to the relevant acts and laws that have been passed,” Tunku Nashrul said.
“Even though the penalties and fines may differ in certain cases, it is crucial for everyone to comprehend the legal framework behind these decisions.”
Tunku Nashrul also warned against spreading misconceptions or inaccurate information, which he said could lead to unhealthy perceptions and stir unnecessary controversy at a time when the nation is striving to maintain peace and harmony.
“Any misleading or false narratives shared regarding this matter will only contribute to divisiveness, which we must avoid as a society,” he added.
In his statement, Tunku Nashrul further conveyed Anwar’s hope that Malaysians, irrespective of their ethnic backgrounds, would work together to end division and foster a more harmonious and respectful society.
The prime minister also expressed gratitude to those who have refrained from spreading negativity and working to maintain social stability.
“We appreciate all parties who have chosen to stop spreading divisive rhetoric or inciting unrest,” Tunku Nashrul said.
The PMO’s message serves as a call for unity and a reminder to the public of the importance of responsible communication in maintaining national peace and mutual respect among citizens.
MCMC Issues FAQs clarifies actions against Maestra Broadcast
Echoing PMO’s reasons, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has released a set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) to clarify the rationale behind its recent actions concerning Maestra Broadcast Sdn Bhd.
The controversy stems from a video content that touched on sensitive issues related to the 3Rs – royalty, religion, and race – leading to public outcry and a formal investigation.
In the FAQ, MCMC explained that the management of Maestra Broadcast was called in for questioning after the incident and was urged to implement stricter content oversight.
The company was also advised to adhere to the country's content regulations and provide continuous training for its employees to prevent future violations.
The commission highlighted that the video content in question, which allegedly insulted Hinduism, had created significant racial and religious tension.
As a result, Maestra Broadcast was issued a fine of RM250,000. The FAQ further emphasized that, under the recent amendments to the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, penalties can reach up to RM500,000 and include potential imprisonment for up to two years, or both.
MCMC stated that the investigation into the matter was initiated following multiple complaints under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
This investigation revealed that the controversial content had been posted on the official TikTok account @era.je, operated by Maestra Broadcast.
In light of this, the Attorney-General’s Chambers decided to impose the RM250,000 compound on the company.
Regarding the decision not to suspend the company’s license, MCMC explained that the commission took into account several factors, including Maestra Broadcast's prompt corrective actions.
These actions included a public apology issued by the company. The commission noted that despite the severity of the issue, the license was not suspended because Maestra Broadcast demonstrated a commitment to resolving the situation quickly.
In response to inquiries about the discrepancy between the penalties imposed on Maestra Broadcast and those on public figures Harith Iskander and Cecelia Yap, MCMC provided further clarification.
Both Iskander and Yap were penalized with a compound of RM10,000 each after they posted offensive content and comments related to Islam on Facebook on January 18, 2025. MCMC explained that the lower penalty in their case was due to the legal provisions in effect before the amendment to the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which came into force on February 11, 2025.
Under the earlier provisions, the maximum fine was RM50,000 or imprisonment for up to one year, or both.
MCMC's latest FAQ document aims to address public concerns and provide a transparent explanation of the actions taken in response to the Maestra Broadcast incident.
The commission’s efforts reflect its commitment to ensuring responsible content creation and compliance with Malaysian laws governing sensitive matters related to race, religion, and royalty. – March 12, 2025