The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) should ensure that digital content monitoring during election campaigns is carried out fairly and without disadvantaging any political party, says Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.
Azalina said digital platforms have become an essential part of the democratic process and election campaigning, and all contesting parties should be given equal opportunities to communicate with voters.
She suggested that MCMC establish monitoring units in constituencies where elections are taking place to identify content involving hate speech, issues related to race, religion and royalty (3R), as well as other forms of unethical campaigning.
According to her, any action taken against online content should be applied equally to all political parties and not selectively.
“Digital platforms are now part of the political landscape. Whether we like it or not, they are an important instrument of parliamentary democracy and election campaigns,” she said in an interview with Berita Harian.
Azalina also called on MCMC and the Election Commission (EC) to work together to ensure a level playing field for all parties contesting in elections.
She said digital platforms should no longer be viewed as separate from conventional campaigning, as they have become one of the primary channels for political communication and voter engagement.
“Previously, political messages were delivered through public speeches. Today, digital platforms have become an equally important way of reaching voters,” she said.
Azalina stressed that freedom of speech in the digital space should be respected in line with democratic principles, while acknowledging that monitoring remains necessary to prevent abuse of online platforms.
She expressed hope that no political party would face unfair action from government agencies during election campaigns, emphasising that digital platforms should be treated as a legitimate component of the country’s democratic process.
