SHAH ALAM: Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said today he plans to engage with media rights groups to understand their views on the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984.
Fahmi said this would involve the National Union of Malaysian Journalists (NUJM), Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) and Gerakan Media Merdeka (Geramm).
"I will get in touch with the NUJ, CIJ and Geramm to try and understand the situation. This (the issue) was based solely on media reports.
"Although the draft is not under the Communications Ministry, I am open to hearing the views of my media friends, and InshaAllah, we will try to convey them (concerns to the Home Ministry). However, the jurisdiction is not under my authority," he said.
He said this at a press conference following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the National Film Development Corporation and the Employees Provident Fund here today.
On Nov 16, the media rights groups called for the Home Ministry to clarify a purported proposal to amend the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984, which reportedly includes licensing requirements for online media.
They stressed the need for clarification following claims that the amendments would expand and tighten penalties.
The groups cited information suggesting the amendments may reintroduce a requirement to renew licences every three years and broaden the definition of "publication" to encompass digital and electronic content.
On Nov 17, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail assured that the ministry will engage with media practitioners in drafting the proposed amendments to the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984.
Saifuddin said the proposed amendments had yet to be finalised and emphasised the ministry's commitment to consulting all relevant stakeholders to gather their feedback and to address their concerns.