KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Media Council Bill is expected to be tabled for its first reading in the Dewan Rakyat in the coming weeks.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said that the delay occurred because the Malaysian Productivity Council had requested a regulatory impact assessment (RIA) for the bill.
"The latest delay was due to the requirement to go through the MPC as they previously requested that this bill undergo RIA.
"However, after we emphasised that a pro tem committee had been established to assist with preliminary discussions, provide feedback and participate in the drafting process of this bill, they ultimately agreed.
"I believe that God willing, we will be able to present it for the first reading in Parliament in the coming weeks," he told reporters after giving Deepavali aid to former media members in Batu Caves, today.
On Oct 14, Fahmi said the Communications Ministry had submitted the draft of the Malaysian Media Council Bill to the Attorney-General's Chambers (A-GC) for final review.
In a written parliamentary reply, he said the bill was expected to be presented in the current parliamentary session, subject to cabinet approval.
Earlier today (Oct 28), Fahmi extended Deepavali aid through the Tabung Kasih@Hawana initiative to former Tamil Malar journalist Saraspathy Ramasamy and former Tamil Nesan proofreader Batemaly Sellamberam.
Alongside financial aid, contributions in the form of goods were also provided, supported by Syarikat Pakaian Hari-Hari and Aeon Big.
Fahmi said they would also provide more assistance, particularly for those who may require support in terms of medical needs or from agencies such as the Social Welfare Department or Social Security Organisation.
Saraspathy, 56, who served at Tamil Malar for 21 years, suffered a stroke in 2022 and now experiences vision impairment and memory issues. She also suffers from diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
Meanwhile, Batemaly, 75, who worked at Tamil Nesan for 46 years, faces health issues, including chronic diabetes and early-stage epilepsy, which causes weakness in his hands. He has also undergone gallbladder polyp surgery.
Fahmi said 13 more Indian media practitioners in need will receive assistance from Tabung Kasih@Hawana. The aid would be distributed before the Deepavali celebration.
Saraspathy and Batemaly are among 164 media personnel who have benefitted from Tabung Kasih@Hawana since the initiative was introduced last April.