Content Forum chairman Tony Lee said that the forum would be guided by the principle of non-censorship of the Internet in drafting the Content Code, which is scheduled to be released for public comment in October.
This principle is enshrined in the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (CMA) and we will abide by it, he said.
Several parties raised their concerns on the Governments seemingly wavering resolve to not censor the Internet after Minister in the Prime Ministers Department Datuk Dr Rais Yatim suggested that new laws might be needed to regulate Internet content.
It is an imperfect situation when only the print media is governed by laws while those who indulged in sedition, the misuse of religion or other criminal offences through cyberspace go scot-free, said Dr Rais.
The Government has since sought to soothe fears of it backtracking on its commitment, with Energy, Communications and Multimedia parliamentary secretary Chia Kwang Chye giving assurances that we are not amending or creating a new law, but we are looking at the content code to be introduced soon.
While some observers were relieved that the Government has reiterated its commitment, the interest in the content codes development has others concerned on how much of a free hand the Forum will be given in carrying out its legally-mandated exercise of industry self-regulation.
The Code presents the Government with the opportunity to back up its promise with solid proof that it would not interfere with the Internet, said a lawyer with one of Malaysias largest legal firms.
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