M'sian Blogger A Target

As shown by my various plagiarisms from the man and blog, I have a deep respect for Malaysian blogger Jeff Ooi and his blog Screenshots. While I don't always agree with Jeff, I find his blog very entertaining and thought provoking. Additionally, it's one of the last few places in the Malaysian corner of the websphere that practices free speech (pending you follow a few rules of respect and decency).

Malay-language paper, Berita Harian, put Screenshots on the front page on Saturday. Why? Because one poster on Screenshots purpotedly blasphemed the religion of Islam. Read the full story here. It should also be noted that supposedly this poster has tried to stir controversy before (a troll) and was warned about his conduct several times by Jeff.

While I don't wish to highlight the post (why give a troll added publicity) and it's content here, this is clearly an issue that should concern all bloggers (whether in Malaysia or not). If you are concerned about free speech, please support Screenshots. Additionally, please highlight this story on your blog or in the comments section of your favorite blogs. Get the word out.

Update: Now Youth No. 2, Khairy Jamalludin (son in law to the current PM) steps into the fray. Via NSTP.

Khairy told the New Sunday Times from London that Ooi had "crossed the line".

Excuse me. Since when did Jeff make this comment? Is Jeff to be vilified because he provided a forum that one person misused? Khairy goes on to condemn the Internet for not providing the same accountability as newspapers.

He asked why the element of accountability, as enforced on those who wrote to newspapers, was not applied to those who used the Internet.

Is he upset because with a truly public and open forum like Jeff Ooi's, anyone can provide a comment? Unlike the newspapers, who can and do, control which letters to print?