KANOWIT -- The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has been asked to study if broadcasters of the Free Sarawak Radio station are instigating the people or using innuendoes bordering on security issues.
Information Communication and Culture Minister Dr Rais Yatim said the Home Ministry too had also been cautioned of its existence.
Met by the media after launching the Nanga Machan Wi-Fi village project in Nanga Machan town near here yesterday, Rais said that if the study proves so, his ministry would report to the matter to the Attorney-General's Chambers for action to be taken.
The clandestine radio station reportedly broadcasting from London, is said to promoting an anti-state government stance among the people of Sarawak besides attacking the state's leaders in its twice daily broadcasts.
Angered by its broadcasts, Part Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) youth wing recently lodged a police report in Kuching so that the MCMC could begin its investigation.
"We cannot simply terminate any signal from an Internet source or through the shortwave band as this is embedded in the Human Rights Convention of Geneva.
"Criticising per se, we cannot do anything. We should not be too alarmed whether they are saying the truth or otherwise,” he said.
On criticisms by opposition leaders that Wi-Fi village projects are impractical as they consumed too much power, Rais said this was not true and only reflected their ignorance.
"Wi-Fi village projects use minimal power because they use the Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) which is a satellite-based communication system.
"VSAT can transmit signals into our computers and laptops easily,” he said.
Rais said the accusation that it was power hungry was mere political rhetoric of opposition leaders like Lim Guan Eng.
"He is probably envious that MCMC efforts to distribute notebook and the setting up of Wi-Fi villages are now very successful. It is not the government's policy to do what is impractical or will burden the people,” he said.
