KUALA LUMPUR: About 50 journalists and members of civil society groups held a protest march towards the Parliament building here Wednesday (Dec 4) morning.
The group then handed over a memorandum opposing several proposals to amend laws that could affect press freedom and freedom of expression.
Radzi Razak, representing the group secretariat known as the Fourth for the Fourth, said it firmly opposed amendments to the Printing Presses and Publications Act (PPPA) 1984, Communications and Multimedia Act (CMA) 1988 and related laws, including the proposed Online Safety Act.
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"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 as the group began its march.
Radzi, who is also the president of Gabungan Media Merdeka (Geramm), said several key concerns about the proposed amendments include lack of justification for the increased scope and powers of the government; no consultation with stakeholders; tighter regulations of digital and print media; as well as 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.
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The memorandum urged the government to halt all amendments and new laws deemed repressive, calling for engagement, upholding media independence, and protecting public interest.
"Our demands included repeal plans to strengthen control over media operations, particularly through the PPPA 1984, CMA 1998 and related laws," he said, urging for the formation of an independent Malaysian Media Council to foster self-regulation and accountability within the industry.
Radzi said the group also wanted lawmakers to focus on legislation promoting transparency, such as a Right to Information Act, rather than impose restrictive controls.
The memorandum was delivered to several MPs from both the government and the Opposition.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, who received a copy of the document, said the government is committed to listening to the stakeholders when it comes to policy.
"We want to make sure that as far as any amendments to the law are concerned, (that) we... hear from as many people as possible so that we can take a judicious and balanced approach going forward," he said.
He also expressed the government's commitment to table the Media Council Bill in the current Dewan Rakyat meeting, which would help address issues faced by the industry.
"The concerns brought up today will be delivered to the Prime Minister for consideration and I believe the Cabinet will also take the (right) decision when it comes to amending the laws.
"Most importantly, we want to (help our) media friends continue operating while their rights and freedom are also taken care of," he added.
Other lawmakers seen receiving the memorandum included government backbenchers Hassan Abdul Karim (PH-Pasir Gudang) and Syerleena Abdul Rashid (PH-Bukit Bendera); as well as Opposition representative Datuk Wan Shaiful Wan Jan (PN-Tasek Gelugor).
Wan Saiful said he would also convey the concerns of the media and civil society members to his Opposition colleagues soon.
On Monday (Dec 2), Fahmi tabled the Communications and Multimedia (Amendments) Bill 2024 and the Communications and Multimedia Commission (Amendments) Bill 2024 in the Dewan Rakyat 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 sexual offences and the spread of false information.
The amendments are expected to be passed by the Dewan Rakyat before it adjourns on Dec 12.
Meanwhile, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the proposed amendments to the PPPA would only be tabled after the views of all stakeholders have been considered.
On Tuesday (Dec 3), he said the ministry would not be proceeding with any proposed amendments until all stakeholders have been consulted.
