KUALA LUMPUR: Amendments to the Communications and Multimedia Act should not be used as a weapon to silence government criticism, say Opposition lawmakers.
While agreeing that the amendments will address cyberbullying, online scams, and other cyber threats, they expressed concern that it might be used as a political weapon.
"We are concerned that it will be used to silence those not aligned with the government. This may seem to be curbing free speech. The amendments may also be misused by certain quarters," said Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden (PN-Alor Setar) during a press conference at the Parliament media centre on Monday (Dec 9).
He also raised concerns over the minister’s authority to issue media-related licences without following the formal process.
"What if the government uses this when facing elections? They can curb the Opposition and dissenting voices and only give room to those that support the government," he claimed.
Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan (PN-Tasek Gelugor) said the Opposition is not completely against the amendments.
"At the coalition level, we have reviewed its impact in detail. Yes, there are some regulations that must be enforced for a safe cyberspace, but it should not clamp down on Malaysians' freedom of speech," he told the same press conference.
On Monday (Dec 2), Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil 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.
