Sekpur: Malaysia's legal framework on race, religion, and the royal institution (3R) requires dynamic improvements to tackle the growing complexity of social media misuse, said the People's Social Media Rapid Response Secretariat (SekPur). Shahbudin Embon, head of its Political Bureau, emphasized the necessity for an overhaul to ensure a justice system that is both punitive and educational for society.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Shahbudin highlighted that the Sedition Act 1948, with its current maximum fine of RM5,000, is inadequate in addressing the potential harm caused by viral social media posts. He proposed strengthening these laws, including considering mandatory imprisonment for serious cases involving the sovereignty of the royal institution, to preserve national harmony.

Shahbudin further suggested expanding legal protections to cover the nation's top leadership, such as the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, to combat extreme provocation intended solely for sensational digital content. He also advocated for enhanced collaboration between authorities and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to monitor fake accounts that often incite racial and religious tensions.

"Learning from Thailand and Indonesia, the strictness of their laws has proven effective in safeguarding the dignity of their highest institutions," Shahbudin remarked. Under Malaysia's current legal provisions, a first-time offender convicted of sedition through speech or publication faces a maximum fine of RM5,000, up to three years' imprisonment, or both. These measures apply to actions on any platform in ongoing efforts to suppress seditious elements threatening public order.