PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) should not serve as a tool to prevent the rakyat from criticising the handling of the floods, says the Pakatan Harapan presidential council.

       The council said in a statement on Saturday (Dec 25) that the MCMC was used to silence criticism, adding that people hace a right to express their views on pressing issues, including the cost of living or natural disasters.

       The statement was jointly signed by PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Parti Amanah Negara president Mohamad Sabu, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng and Upko president Datuk Seri Madius Tangau.

       This comes following complaints raised on social media that MCMC wanted to remove Twitter posts that were allegedly critical of two ministers in the handling and delayed response of the floods that affected several states.

       The MCMC had explained that it is responsible for ensuring that online platforms comply with Malaysian laws after a user complained that it had attempted to take down two of his posts.

       The council also demanded that the chairman and the chief executive officer resign immediately, describing such moves as anti-democratic and that the council was opposed to such draconian measures.

       It also extended its condolences to the victims of the floods across the country.

       "Pakatan urges the Federal Government to act more firmly by handing out more financial assistance than what had been allocated by the state governments," it added.

       On a separate matter, Pakatan also extended Christmas wishes to those who are celebrating it.