Control of e-mail and SMS?

DAP National Deputy Chairman and MP for Kepong Dr Tan Seng Giaw stresses that all forms of supervision or control on e-mail, SMS, Blackberry and other services should not affect the good things that are offered by these services.

On 13.10.2010, Dr Tan comments on the reply in parliament by Information, Communications and Culture Minister YB Datuk Seri Rais Yatim concerning the control on e-mail, SMS and Blackberry Messenger.

The minister says that the Central Government has no intention of banning the services of e-mail, SMS, Blackberry Messenger and others. It uses Multimedia Communications Act, Sedition Act and Criminal Code to charge those who act against the laws. Under the laws, a guilty person can be fined up to RM50,000 or imprisoned up to a year or both.

Although Arab countries such as Dubai have taken action against Blackberry, it is only a temporary measure. They continue to allow the service.

According to Rais, there are 8 billion SMS's daily in Malaysia and billions more e-mails. It is not possible to control them.

What is powerful for good is also powerful for evil. This is a phenomenon of human earth.

It is clear that good things do come out of SMS, e-mail, Blackberry and other services. A small number of people misuse and abuse them, causing difficulties. If a government does not tell the truth, these services can provide the real pictures. Then, the government concerned may feel unhappy.

Rais talks about Research In Motion (RIM) which provides information on Blackberry. The Government doe not want to ban the service.

What is important is that all controls or supervisions should not affect the good things that come out of SMS, e-mail and Blackberry.

Dr Tan Seng Giaw