ABOUT 50 journalists and civil society members handed over a memorandum opposing several proposals to amend laws that could affect press freedom and freedom of expression.
The memorandum demanded the government halt all amendments and new laws deemed repressive, said Radzi Razak, who represented the secretariat known as the Fourth for the Fourth.
It also called for engagements, upholding media independence and protecting public interest.
Radzi, who is also the president of Gabungan Media Merdeka (Geramm), said that as the fourth estate, the media plays a crucial role in upholding democracy by ensuring accountability, transparency and the free flow of information.
“The proposed amendments and new laws, which aim to expand government control over digital and traditional media, undermine these principles and erode public trust in democratic governance,” he said.
Radzi explained several key concerns regarding the proposed amendments to the legislation, which include a lack of justification for the increased scope and powers of the government, no consultation with stakeholders, tighter regulations of digital and print media, vague definitions and increased penalties.
“These measures conflict with Article 10 of the Federal Constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech, and violate international standards on freedom of expression,” he said.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, who received a copy of the document, said the government is committed to listening to stakeholders when it comes to policy-making.
“We want to hear from as many people as possible regarding any amendments to the law so that we can make a judicious and balanced approach going forward,” he said.
Fahmi also expressed the government’s commitment to table the Media Council Bill in the current Dewan Rakyat meeting, which would help comprehensively address issues faced by the industry.
“The concerns that were brought up will be delivered to the Prime Minister for his consideration. I believe the Cabinet will also make the right decision when it comes to amending the laws,” he added.
The memorandum was also delivered to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who was represented by his senior press secretary, Tunku Nashrul Abaidah.
Tasek Gelugor MP Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan, who also received a copy of the memorandum, said that he would also deliver the concerns raised by the media and civil society members to the Opposition members in a discussion soon.
On Monday, the Communications and Multimedia (Amendments) Bill 2024 and the Communications and Multimedia Commission (Amendments) Bill 2024 in the Dewan Rakyat were tabled for their first reading.
The Bills propose amendments to 118 existing sections and the creation of 15 new ones to better combat the growing threat of online criminal activities, including online sexual offences and the spread of false information.
