KUALA LUMPUR - THE influential youth wing of Malaysia's ruling Umno political party is pushing for 'regulatory control' over Internet bloggers following two widely publicised cases.

Umno Youth chief Hishamuddin Tun Hussein said: 'Freedom has its limits and we will not tolerate those who touch on the issue of national stability, harmony, cultural values and the personality of national leaders.'

Those to be watched include bloggers who belittle leaders in multiracial Malaysia, and people who mock national symbols, the Bernama news agency reported him as saying.

The statement came just days after a Malaysian student in Taiwan, Mr Wee Meng Chee, 24, posted a racially provocative video of the national anthem on YouTube. The video triggered a flood of abusive responses from Malays and expressions of support from ethnic Chinese in Malaysia.

The authorities said they were investigating Mr Wee for sedition. There have been calls from various official quarters to have him returned to Malaysia.

Last month, writer Raja Petra was interrogated by police after an Umno politician lodged a report against his political website, alleging that some of his postings insulted Islam and could cause racial tension.

Umno Youth spokesman Khalid Mohamad called for legislation to allow the authorities to recall Malaysians overseas who perform actions that smear the country's image.

But the opposition Democratic Action Party yesterday warned the government of 'unhealthy consequences' should it revoke Mr Wee's passport and force him back home.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE