Fahmi: CMA amendments protect free speech, not restrict it Posted on 07/12/2024 KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 7 — Proposed changes to the Communications and Multimedia Act would enhance Malaysians’ freedom of speech by clarifying overly broad provisions, said Fahmi Fadzil. The communications minister told Astro Awani in an interview that the amendments included introducing the term “grossly offensive”, which would raise the bar for when satire and parody would be criminal. “We want to uphold the rights of Malaysians to freedom of speech. At the same time, we set certain boundaries and aim to clarify these boundaries,” he said. “From now on, satire and parody will no longer automatically be considered crimes. This means satire and parody are not crimes, but they still have their limits.” When asked if the definition of “grossly offensive” could be summarised as the so-called 3R issues (race, religion, royalty), the minister disagreed. While 3R issues would automatically be included, other issues could also be considered “grossly offensive” depending on context, Fahmi explained. Fahmi tabled the amendment Bill for its first reading on Monday, explaining at the time that the move was to enhance the government’s powers to tackle cybercrime. However, citizens’ and press groups have called the proposed changes “repressive” and “draconian”, among others, alleging that they would have a chilling effect on the media and public discourse. Recommended reading: What you should know about: Proposed amendments to the Communications and Multimedia Act Halt the tabling of the repressive amendments to the Communications and Multimedia Act — Wathshlah Naidu News
Ukraine hits Russia with US ATACMS missiles for first time on war’s 1,000th day Posted on 20/11/2024 A Ukrainian military Telegram channel posted an image of US-supplied ATACMS missiles fired from an undisclosed location. (Lachen Pyshe Telegram/AP pic) KYIV: Ukraine used US ATACMS missiles to strike Russian territory on Tuesday, taking advantage of newly granted permission from the outgoing administration of president Joe Biden on the war’s… Read More
After Daim’s death, prosecutors drop asset declaration charge Posted on 20/11/2024 KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 20 — The prosecution today withdrew the charge against the late Tun Daim Zainuddin for failure to comply with a notice to declare his assets, citing his death. According to Free Malaysia Today, deputy public prosecutor Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin told the Sessions Court that the charge… Read More
Akaun masih dibeku: Bersatu pertimbang saman SPRM, bank Posted on 01/12/2024 Presiden Muhyiddin Yassin kata tuntutan Bersatu di mahkamah berhubung pembekuan akaun bank adalah wajar memandangkan parti itu tidak pernah didakwa atas sebarang kesalahan. SHAH ALAM: Bersatu sedang mempertimbangkan tindakan undang-undang terhadap Suruhanjaya Pencegahan Rasuah Malaysia (SPRM) dan pihak bank berhubung pembekuan akaun parti itu sehingga hari ini. Menurut Presiden Muhyiddin… Read More