Malaysia to block all websites promoting Bersih rally

PETALING JAYA (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - All websites that promote, spread information and encourage the public to join the Bersih 4 rally this weekend will be blocked by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).

The commission is calling for the public to report such websites or social media accounts spreading content that could harm the nation's stability, public order and economic stability.

"Any information on websites or social media believed to be spreading such contents can be reported to the commission at aduanskmm@cmc.gov.my (http://aduan.skmm.gov.my)," it said in a statement posted on the commission's official Facebook page on Thursday.

The commission also reminded the public to be careful in sharing information online and on social media, especially those with content that could violate Malaysian laws.

Quoting a statement by the Home Ministry, the commission said the illegal Bersih 4 movement was the cause for uneasiness and provoking public unrest.

"It is spreading propaganda to incite the rakyat (people) negatively against the Government by spreading flyers that could cause harm.

"Its activities can bring a bad image to the country, threatening public order, safety, economic stability and the nation's sovereignity. It can also affect the harmony amongst the multi-racial society in Malaysia," it said.

Bersih, a civil society movement calling for electoral reform in Malaysia, is planning protests in three cities - Kuala Lumpur, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu - from 2pm on Aug 29 until midnight Aug 30 to push for Prime Minister Najib Razak's resignation.

The rally comes amid allegations in the Wall Street Journal that US$700 million (S$981 million) in state funds was deposited into Mr Najib's personal bank accounts and alleged mismanagement of debt-ridden state investor 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

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