Under Malaysia's Defamation Act 1957, the libelous statement must not be an opinion but based on fact. The Net surfer must be aware that the individual is the subject of the false statement and there has to be evidence of loss or injury from the written words. Given the anonymity of the Internet and its worldwide scope, proving libel and finding the identity of the abuser may take an army of sleuths. Providers and publishers there must register themselves. They are liable for content placed on the Internet, where libel laws for print media apply.
News reports say that Singapore's cybercafes are confounding the enforcers.
Singapore also has an education program to teach students how to use the Internet responsibly. Given sites such as the freewheeling freeMalaysia, the reader should apply to the Net the same standards as he should apply to the mainstream media - with a healthy dose of skepticism and an open mind. While pro-Anwar sites may offer many hours of fun reading, libel suits for material posted on the Net promise to be an exciting and volatile area of law in Malaysia. All Rights Reserved. Terms under which this service is provided to you.