Do not abuse social media platforms, says Adam Yii, SUPP Central publicity and information Secretary

suppadmin | May 14, 2025

SUPP Central Publicity and Information Secretary, Adam Yii, has voiced firm support for recent police reports lodged in Kuching, Sibu, and Miri against a Facebook post allegedly insulting Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg and his family.

The controversial post, published under the Facebook account “MIKE RAIN,” has sparked widespread public attention due to its offensive language and personal attacks, which were deemed to go beyond the limits of freedom of speech.

Yii stressed that while the rise of digital technology and social media platforms has allowed citizens more space to express themselves, a positive feature of a democratic society, this freedom must not be abused.

He said that in this particular case, the post not only used derogatory language but also made personal attacks on the Premier’s family, which constitutes a deliberate smear and may incite public disorder.

He warned that the unchecked spread of unverified or fabricated information online can mislead the public and erode trust in the government and its leaders. Over time, this can lead to a cycle of mutual distrust and social division, undermining Sarawak’s multi-ethnic harmony.

“When individuals can post hateful speech online without consequences, it encourages others to follow suit, leading to a toxic culture of who can insult more harshly,” he said. “Such hate speech not only deepens racial and political divides but can also spill over into real-world conflict, threatening public order.”

Yii also expressed concern for younger internet users, stating that frequent exposure to unverified and emotional content may distort their understanding of social norms, misleading them into believing that “verbal abuse is courage, and spreading lies is freedom.” He warned that this could have long-term consequences on the nation’s civic values.

He reiterated that cyberspace is not a lawless zone and that every social media post carries legal and moral responsibilities. Public discourse, he said, must be grounded in rationality and facts, rather than driven by emotion or used as a tool for cyberbullying.

He affirmed that freedom of speech remains a vital pillar of democracy, but it must come with responsibility and mutual respect. He urged all netizens not to let impulsive emotions turn them into accomplices in harming social stability and harmony. He called on Sarawakians to work together to foster a social media environment rooted in integrity and quality discourse.