KUALA LUMPUR: The proposed amendments to the Printing Presses and Publications Act (PPPA) 1984 will be tabled only after the views of all stakeholders have been considered, says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
The Home Minister as quoted by the Scoop said they would not be proceeding with any proposed amendments until all stakeholders have been consulted.
"As of now it has yet to be accomplished,” he was reported as saying to the National Press Club (NPC) of Malaysia representatives at his office in Putrajaya last week.
NPC President Datuk Ahirudin Attan and legal counsel Datuk Seri Jahaberdeen Mohamed Yunos spent an hour with the Minister to discuss matters affecting journalists and the NPC.
The Malaysian media fraternity was jolted by rumours that the Madani government was pushing through amendments to the archaic PPPA, which has long been a bane for the industry.
Saifuddin 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 have some bearing on 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 Nov 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.
The groups emphasised the need for “meaningful dialogue” with stakeholders, particularly as the government plans to introduce the Malaysian Media Council Bill.
In March (2024), 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.
