KUALA LUMPUR – Media groups have called on the Home Ministry to clarify the details of proposed amendments to the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 (PPPA).
The National Union of Journalists Malaysia (NUJM), Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ), and Gerakan Media Merdeka (Geramm) made the demand after rumours circulated that the amendments would “extend and tighten penalties and conditions for the media.”
They said reports suggest that the changes would reinstate the requirement for license renewals every three years and broaden the definition of publication to include digital and electronic content. This has sparked concerns over how online platforms and user-generated content would be monitored and controlled.
Further details indicate that the amendments may “expand criminal penalties” and introduce “more severe sanctions,” prompting NUJM, CIJ, and GERAMM to raise the concern.
The groups noted these amendments could have “a significant impact on media organisations and personnel” and undermine media freedom in Malaysia.
“This is a critical moment for the government to demonstrate its commitment to reform,” they said, stressing that “no effort should be made to undermine media freedom,” especially as the government plans to introduce the Malaysian Media Council Bill.
The media groups urged all stakeholders to engage in “meaningful dialogue” before any decisions are made regarding the amendments.
In March, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail clarified that the government would not be amending the PPPA, amid rumours that it would be extended to online media outlets.
He also said the ministry has no objections to having a media council to self-govern the industry, dismissing allegations that his ministry was against its creation.
“In principle, the ministry has no objections (to the media council). When it is established, we just want to see if there is an overlap with the enforcement and regulation roles, as we have our own. We just want to see where we can harmonise this.
“Are we moving towards (abolishing the PPPA)? No. Will it have amendments? Only minor matters, such as the quantum of compounds, are on our radar.
“The amendments are not to control online media, but it is a matter of compounds,”
Civil rights groups and advocates for free speech have long called for the repeal of the PPPA, citing concerns that the law is used by the government to suppress freedom of expression and the right to information. – November 16, 2024