Youth Internet Governance Forum Malaysia (YIGF) at University of Malaya.

My friends and I went Petaling Jaya for a forum, conducted by YIGF Malaysia. The forum held at University of Malaya. On the first day, I went to the first forum which is UNESCO Universality Indicator by Dr. Lim Ming Kuok as the speaker. He stated on an acronym which is ROAMX as the indicators for the internet usage. The first letter ‘R’ refers to rights of human or human rights. People have their own freedom of expression, rights on education, and others through internet. The second letter ‘O’ refers to open for all. Internet should be accessed by all kind of human in different ages, and the children, should be guided by the parents. Next is ‘A’ which is accessible for all. Internet, not only used by the rich people, nowadays, people from rural areas are easily access for Internet. This is because of initiatives done by the government. For example, Internet 1 Malaysia. Next is ‘M’ which is multi stakeholder. In this part, the speaker shared his ideas on how internet is govern by the state. Last but not least is ‘X’ which is cross(x) cutting issues for examples, gender equality, children, sustainable development, legal and ethical aspects and others.

“Necessary, Proportionate and Limited” = Freedom of Expression

The next talk is on ASEAN Way of Cybersecurity by Kuhan Pillai Anbalakan. The main reason why ASEAN need to emphasize on cyber security is to be protected the data that collected by this region and avoid any violation of cyber-security. Therefore, all states in ASEAN need to know all the techniques of protecting the security of the internet system. Every leaders or representatives of all states should do consultation about this cyber security. ASEAN had follow the role of law from the European Union as well.

Internet Safety For Youth : A Discussion Among The Youths was the next talk conducted by Nur Erzarith Sofia Binti Wahap. The moderator had shared some information on internet especially on keeping the personal info. Any information that are personal should be keep in safe place especially the data in the phone. The privacy setting should always turn on. Safe downloading and safe browsing on internet are encouragable.

The next talk was really interesting. Freedom of Expression & Censorship: Where’s the limit? The speakers were Fahmi Reza, Lena Hendry and New Sin Yew and the moderator was Low Xin Dee. I really admired with the answers that given by Fahmi Reza, who is a political graphic designer, street artist and documentary film maker based in Kuala Lumpur. He uses his art to denounce injustices in Malaysia. He is known in particular for depicting Malaysia’s then Prime Minister, Najib Razak, as a clown to protest against the financial scandals the PM was involved in. For this caricature, Fahmi has been charged with violating the law prohibiting communications that cause annoyance. His appeal has been dismissed and had to pay a fine of RM10 000. The first discussion is about the government have rights to cersored someone in internet? Fahmi answered that government should have power instead of using the term rights. Because it will cause harm and violences. However, government will put the limits on expressions from the youth. The next question is about censorship become violation towards expressions. Fahmi really agree with this statement were government censor someone to make sure some people can be avoid from lead to fall of democracy. The last question is about the alternatives to avoid censorship and what are the laws that should be implemented. Fahmi answered that there no need laws but use more implimentations and youth should have to acknowledge to talk.

Great Experiences