Memo on PPPA amendments: PM vows govt will study objections

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has vowed to scrutinise objections over the proposed amendments to the Printing Presses and Publications Act (PPPA).

This comes after several media groups marched to the Parliament gates earlier today to hand over a memorandum to oppose the plans.

“Insya-Allah, the government, through the relevant ministry, will study all objections, criticisms and proposals raised.

“This is to ensure a positive environment for the media to operate, on top of protecting their rights and freedom,” he said on Instagram today.

More than 50 media professionals and NGO members marched to Parliament this morning to deliver a memorandum advocating for media freedom while objecting to proposed amendments to the PPPA.

Organised by the National Union of Journalists Peninsular Malaysia, Geramm, and the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ), the march began at Taman Tugu and covered approximately 500m before reaching Parliament.

Among those who received the memorandum were Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Abdul Karim, Tasek Gelugor MP Wan Saiful Wan Jan, Kota Melaka MP Khoo Poay Tiong and Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid.

The prime minister sent his senior press secretary Tunku Nashrul Abaidah to receive the document. Representatives from the Home Ministry and Digital Ministry also received it.

Concerns raised

During a presser at the march, Fahmi declined to answer directly about whether he opposed the proposed amendments.

“I cannot weigh in on initiatives from other ministries, but I think you all know where I personally stand,” he remarked.

On Nov 16, media groups raised alarm over Putrajaya’s purported proposal to amend the PPPA, which included imposing a licensing requirement for online media.

“According to the information received, the amendments by the Home Ministry include reinstating the requirement for licence renewal (every three years) and expanding the definition of publication to include digital and electronic content.

“This has raised concerns about how online platforms and user-generated content will be monitored and controlled.”

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