KUALA LUMPUR: The proposed amendment to the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 is not intended to restrict freedom of speech.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the amendment should be viewed holistically and not just on the regulatory strengthening aspect.
It intended to provide a safer, sustainable Internet network ecosystem to users and free from cyberthreats, such as paedophilia and child pornography, sexual solicitation, online fraud and cyberbullying.
"It also proves the openness of the unity government in guaranteeing the right to freedom of speech, including criticising the government, and a manifestation of commitment to the principles of democracy and human rights.
"Criticism should be constructive, accompanied by data and facts for fulfilling the spirit of seeking and upholding the truth and what is not insulting, provocative, defamatory, insulting religion and beliefs and spreading slander.
"The right to freedom of expression will not be 'restricted' if the right is used responsibly and not infringe existing legal provisions, including taking things into account expressions or actions that go beyond consideration of moral aspects, cultural norms and morals of the harmonious Malaysian society to an online content.
"This more comprehensive legislation is to address the shift of traditional crimes into the online sphere, aiming to create an online environment free from harmful, degrading content that goes against the identity and morals of Malaysia," he said when tabling the Communications and Multimedia (Amendment) Bill 2024 for its second reading today.
The first reading of the bill was held on Dec 2.
Fahmi had previously said amendments to the Communications and Multimedia Act would pave the way for social media companies to be more proactive and accountable for online harm on their platforms.
The amendments would focus on three key areas, namely industry development, network security and social media and licensing.
The amendments also sought to improve Section 233 of the act, which touched on improper use of network facilities, by clearly defining the term "terlampau jelik" or grossly offensive.