Tackling Hate Virtual Venom, Real-World Victims AWANI

Kuala Lumpur, 3 April 2024 – Suyin Chia, Research Consultant at INITIATE.MY, recently participated in an interview on Astro Awani “Consider This” program titled “Tackling Hate: Virtual Venom, Real-World Victims”, alongside Dr. Ryan Chua from Pusat KOMAS and former Sungai Berut MP Tawfik Ismail. Suyin explored the alarming rise of dangerous content on social media and its potential to incite extremism tendencies such as intolerance and violence.

The discussion delved into the question of whether the digital realm has become a breeding ground for social divisiveness, and Suyin sheds light on the worrying rise of online hate speech and extremism in Malaysia following the general election. This content primarily targets minorities, refugees, the migrants and the tactics employed by hate mongers are diverse. They exploit historical narratives, like references to the May 13 racial riots, to stoke fear of renewed violence. International conflicts like the Israel-Palestine issue are weaponized to incite anti-minority sentiment, particularly against Rohingya refugees. Additionally, hateful content often utilises subtle messaging through music, memes, and videos, slipping through the cracks of content moderation tools.

Suyin emphasises the need for a multi-pronged approach to tackle this complex issue. Equipping citizens with digital literacy skills is crucial to empower them to fact-check information and counter online hate speech peacefully. Social media platforms like TikTok and Meta must also be held accountable for improving content moderation and detecting subtle hate content.

The most effective solutions, however, require a concerted effort from all sectors of society. Government, civil society, and tech companies need to work together. Initiatives like peace education programs can promote tolerance and understanding, while restorative justice measures like mandatory apologies and mediation can address the root causes of extremism and heal affected communities. Finally, adapting existing laws to address online hate speech with a focus on proportionality and restorative justice principles is essential.

This media appearance reflects INITIATE.MY’s commitment to tackling online extremism by raising public awareness about the risks and developing effective strategies to counter these risks. Visit AWANI YouTube Channel to watch the full interview.