Michelle Chun
PETALING JAYA (Aug 8, 2012): August 14 has been declared as
Internet Blackout Day by the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ).
In a statement, CIJ said it is a bid against a recently passed
law, whereby internet users are presumed guilty for content posted through
their sites, registered networks or data processing devices.
On that day, internet users who visit participating websites
will be met with a pop-up window detailing information on the campaign, but
will still be able to access the website, CIJ executive officer Masjaliza
Hamzah said.
“Images from the CIJ website and Facebook page can also be
downloaded while users can also change their profile pictures to black for the
day.
“The day aims to create awareness among Malaysians on the
recently passed Evidence (Amendment) (No. 2) Act 2012, which will have a
negative impact on freedom of expression online,” she said.
She urged netizens to call on the government to withdraw the
amendment which saw the insertion of Section 114a of the Act that states an
internet user is deemed the publisher of any online content unless proven
otherwise.
KL Bar Information Technology Committee co-chairman Foong Cheng
Leong told theSun it
is timely to highlight the effects of the law as the awareness level is still
low.
“This is an opportunity for internet users to make a stand on
this law,” he said, adding that it was not too late.
Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram) executive director Nalini E said
Suaram supported the awareness campaign to pressure the government to remove
Section 114a.
“The section is unnecessary and can be misused against anyone,
and it also goes against the fundamental principle that one is innocent until
proven guilty,” she said when contacted.
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