BLOGGERS SHOULD STOP SPREADING LIES

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 9 (Bernama) -- Bloggers have been urged to stop spreading
lies in their writings, particularly on social and political issues, as they can
create controversy and damage the reputation of the government.

Broadcasting director-general Ibrahim Yahya, himself a blogger, said
bloggers should act as middlemen when presenting issues to society.

"Some bloggers write nonsensical things which are far from the truth and
created issues which are not true.

"It is difficult to gauge the extent of the truth in blog writings as the
writers always hide behind pen names," he said at a dialogue session titled
"Blog: Lies or Reality" here Monday.

Ibrahim said although bloggers had the freedom to write, they should always
strive for a positive outcome and consider racial sensitivities.

Meanwhile, blogger Syed Imran Alsagoff who goes by the moniker "Kuda Ranggi"
said like print and electronic media journalists, bloggers should also be
exposed to journalism ethics and laws like the Internal Security Act (ISA) and
the Offical Secrets Act (OSA).

"Bloggers who do not have deep understanding of the provisions of the acts
and journalism ethics may resort to writing lies," he said.

Syed Imran, a former editor of Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) said
often, blogs on political issues were inclined to lying, incite and degrade the
dignity of others.
-- BERNAMA