PM vows to heed media’s objections to publications law amendment

PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has promised to take heed of objections by media groups and journalists towards the proposed amendments to the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 (PPPA).

Anwar said his senior press secretary, Tunku Nashrul Tunku Abaidah, received a memorandum concerning the PPPA amendments from NGOs and journalists outside Parliament this morning.

“The government, through the relevant ministries, will study every objection, criticism and proposal that has been raised to ensure a positive environment for the media industry, while preserving their rights and freedom,” he said in a Facebook post.

Previously, the National Union of Journalists Malaysia, Centre for Independent Journalism and Gerakan Media Merdeka urged the home ministry to provide clarification on rumoured amendments to the PPPA, which they said would affect media freedom.

The groups said they were informed that the proposed amendments include reinstating the mandatory three-year media licence renewal requirement for media firms and extending the definition of “publication” to digital and electronic content.

They said this raised concerns over how online platforms and user-generated content would be monitored and regulated, and urged the home ministry to engage industry stakeholders first.

Yesterday, home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the ministry’s plans to amend the PPPA had been put on hold until further consultations with stakeholders.

NGOs and journalists, however, want Putrajaya to permanently shelve any plans to strengthen government control over media operations, whether through amending the PPPA, Communications and Multimedia Act, or other laws.

They also urged the government to expedite the formation of an independent media council to allow for self-regulation and accountability within the fraternity.