PN MP suggests transferring MCMC to Digital Ministry

PARLIAMENT | An opposition MP debating the Supply Bill 2025 has urged the government to consider transferring MCMC from the Communications Ministry to the Digital Ministry.

Saifuddin Abdullah (PN-Indera Mahkota) said his suggestion was made in line with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s Budget 2025 speech that included announcements on the merging of various agencies with overlapping functions.

“I would like to make another proposal, but this is an absorption (of an agency). This relates to how we can optimise operations of the Digital Ministry,” he said.

“Currently, it is my view that there is one core function that should be under the purview of the Digital Ministry but remains with the Communications Ministry - digital infrastructure.

“Digital infrastructure is the basic building block of the country’s digitalisation efforts. It is the pillar of the national digital economy. It is also the pillar of digital relations with neighbours in the region, particularly within Asean,” he stressed.

Saifuddin, who elaborated on MCMC’s functions, argued that it was “illogical” for the internet regulator to be placed under the Communications Ministry. 

He said this was because at least two of MCMC’s primary functions, overseeing digital infrastructure and planning future demands for digital infrastructure, should fall under the purview of the Digital Ministry.

“So it is inappropriate for MCMC to remain under the Communications Ministry,” he added.

In his first cabinet reshuffle last December, Anwar announced that the former Communications and Digital Ministry led by Fahmi Fadzil had been separated into two entities, the latter to be led by Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo.

Among others, the Digital Ministry oversees operations of the National Digital Department, Personal Data Protection Department, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation, MyDIGITAL Corporation, and CyberSecurity Malaysia. 

Fahmi, who is also government spokesperson, retains control of MCMC, national news agency Bernama, as well as national broadcaster RTM, among others. 

Government critics, freedom of speech advocates, and opposition MPs had in the past raised concerns of alleged selective actions by MCMC in pressing charges under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, under the guise of combating offensive content, including sedition.

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