Changes to laws to control social media

comments     Bernama     Published     Updated

The proposed amendments to the Communications and Multimedia Act (CMA) 1998 and Communications and Multimedia Commission Act (CMCA) 1998 are expected to be tabled in October.

Communications and Multimedia Minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek said this in response to Gooi Hsiao Leung (DAP-Alor Setar) at the Dewan Rakyat in Kuala Lumpur today.

Gooi had asked whether the amendments as announced by the minister last March could curb social media misuse, that infringe among others on religious and racial sensitivities, or for recruitment of terrorists.

Ahmad Shabery said the amendments were aimed at strengthening existing provisions in the Acts to accommodate current developments including social media.

“Social media was not a major issue back then. Hopefully with the amendments we can resolve it in a new light to protect our society,” he said.

He said the amendments would be coordinated with other laws such as the Sedition Act and Prevention of Terrorism Act.

According to him, the revision of the CMA 1998 was not merely to resolve issues involving social media but also to incorporate other elements in the provisions, in the country’s move to achieve digital nation status.

“The amendments will also show the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission’s (MCMC) role in improving nationwide telecommunication network,” he said.

As for the revision of the CMCA 1998, Ahmad Shabery said it was to strengthen and enhance vital administrative and other aspects to assist the MCMC in its function as the country’s telecommunication industry regulator.

- Bernama



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