BLOG-WASH!!!

GUESS what? Weblogs (or Blogs) in Malaysia are not viewed as credible sources of information.

This was the findings of a Weekend Mail survey that saw 66 per cent of the 100 respondents interviewed questioning the credibility of blogs as a source of information.

The survey also revealed that 57 per cent of the respondents wanted bloggers to be made accountable by imposing certain regulations to deter irresponsible bloggers from posting sensitive, inaccurate and false information.

Those who called for bloggers to be monitored said blogs should only be used to share useful information, and not be an avenue to post exaggerated articles, or a place to blow your own trumpet.

That said, the remaining 43 per cent felt it was unnecessary to enforce any law on blogging, citing freedom of speech and good credibility as reasons.

Our survey also revealed that a majority of the respondents did not see the need to make it mandatory for bloggers to reveal their identities.

Some 64 per cent argued that it was sufficient for bloggers to use their nicknames.

The remaining 36 per cent want bloggers to disclose their personal details, for credibility and accountability’s sake.

Our survey was prompted by a statement last Tuesday by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who had called on the mainstream media to take up the role of disseminating accurate information to counter untrue stories in some of the blogs.

“The media have their social responsibility to fulfil by avoiding news or gossip that could create tension. There is no need to be carried away by the sensationalism of such websites,” he had said.

Abdullah had also said that it was the media’s responsibility is to decide “whether or not to publish what is appropriate for the public”.



On Wednesday, Deputy Internal Security Minister, Datuk Fu Ah Kiow had said that the Government was looking into formulating regulations under the Printing Presses and Publications Act to monitor blogs in Malaysia.

“We will study if the Act should be amended to include the electronic media and the internet,” he had said.

Fu had said that there was a gap between the various types of media and this has prompted the Government to look into the possibility of setting up a unit to monitor them.

The blogging scene in Malaysia has grown in popularity in recent years, with many, including youngsters, politicians and former politicians, journalists and ex-journalists and even celebrities, starting their own blogs.

While there are no official figures, the number runs in the thousands. They come in all shapes and sizes, and talk about everything under the sun.

While the topics differ, and a majority of these bloggers stick to facts and figures to argue their cases, there are concerns that some blogs are being used to fan sentiments, spread rumours or used for character assassination.

In recent years, some blogs have gained popularity as an alternative source of information for a myriad of topics, ranging from lifestyle, recreation and hobbies, to news and current events, career development, philosophy, politics, social concerns, technical and spirituality.

The blogging scene in Malaysia has developed at such a tremendous rate that some of the top blog spots even boast of having sponsors.

While most of them stay above board by posting daily commentaries on their personal life, the government has not clamped down on the blogs dwelling into sensational topics like politics, government policies, racism, religion and even sex.

What are your thoughts on this? Please do comment.