KUALA LUMPUR – The proposed amendments to the Printing and Publications Act (PPPA) 1984 will be tabled only after the views of all stakeholders have been considered, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
“We are not going ahead with any proposed amendments, not until all stakeholders have been consulted. And as of today that has not been accomplished yet,” he told National Press Club (NPC) of Malaysia representatives at his office in Putrajaya last week.
NPC President Datuk Ahirudin Attan, who is also Big Boom Media group executive director, and legal counsel Datuk Seri Jahaberdeen Mohamed Yunos spent an hour with the Minister to discuss matters affecting journalists and the NPC. Big Boom Media publishes Scoop.
The Malaysian media fraternity was jolted by rumors that the Madani government was pushing through amendments to the archaic PPPA, which has long been a bane for the industry.
Saifuddin also said that as the Communications Ministry was planning to table amendments to the Communications and Multimedia Act (CMA) 1998, that will take precedence for now, as the act will also have some bearing to journalists and the media industry.
“That will take precedence for now,” he said, explaining that he is deferring the tabling of the PPPA amendment.
On November 16, media groups urged the Home Ministry to clarify proposed amendments to the PPPA.
The National Union of Journalists Malaysia (NUJM), Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ), and Gerakan Media Merdeka (Geramm) expressed concerns over potential changes that may “extend and tighten penalties and conditions for the media.”
Earlier reports suggested the amendments could reinstate licensing requirements, expand the definition of publication to include digital content, and increase criminal penalties.
The groups warned these changes could significantly impact media organisations and freedom in Malaysia, urging the government to ensure no actions undermine press independence.
They also emphasised the need for “meaningful dialogue” with stakeholders, particularly as the government plans to introduce the Malaysian Media Council Bill.
In March, Saifuddin said that the PPPA would not be extended to online platforms and that only minor adjustments, such as revising compound amounts, were being considered. He reiterated the ministry’s openness to a media council to self-regulate the industry, ensuring harmony with existing enforcement roles.
Civil rights groups have long called for the PPPA’s repeal, arguing it curtails freedom of expression and access to information. – December 3, 2024