PPPA: You know where I personally stand, Fahmi tells media

With the Printing Presses and Publications Act (PPPA) falling outside his ministerial purview, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil declined to answer directly about whether he opposed the proposed amendments.

When pressed by journalists during a march to Parliament today about his stance on the amendments, Fahmi said he could not comment on matters outside his ministry’s jurisdiction.

“I cannot weigh in on initiatives from other ministries, but I think you all know where I personally stand,” he remarked briefly after accepting a memorandum from the Fourth for the Fourth (404) secretariat.

The PPPA is under the purview of the Home Ministry.

When asked whether he was blindsided by the amendments, Fahmi declined to give a direct answer, citing the confidential nature of cabinet discussions.

“I am aware of certain things, but as you know, cabinet discussions are classified. There are things I can and cannot say,” he explained.

The proposed amendments reportedly include reintroducing an annual licensing scheme for media publications and extending the PPPA to online media.

Yesterday, it was reported that Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail told the National Press Council that the proposed PPPA had been deferred, pending consultations with all stakeholders.

Saifuddin said this is because the government is prioritising amendments to the Communication and Multimedia Act 1998 (CMA), which also affects journalists and the media industry.

Fahmi to convey concerns to PM

The memorandum advocating for media freedom and objecting to the proposed PPPA amendments was handed to Fahmi at around 11am today.

Fahmi assured the media that he would raise their concerns with the prime minister.

“I will bring up the issues raised - not only those voiced today but also those shared during various engagement sessions, meetings, and discussions with the media community.

“I will ensure these are conveyed to the Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for his awareness and consideration,” he said.

Fahmi also shared that his ministry is working on tabling the first reading of the Malaysian Media Council Act as part of efforts to manage media affairs better.

He acknowledged the immense challenges faced by the industry, particularly revenue losses due to social media platforms.

“The reality today is that the media industry is facing immense challenges and trials, including issues stemming from social media. One of these challenges is the loss of revenue caused by social media, among others,” he said.

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