KUALA LUMPUR: The Communications Ministry has decided to postpone the third reading of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) (Amendment) Bill 2024, said its minister, Fahmi Fadzil.
He said this was to obtain further views and suggestions from the Parliamentary Special Select Committee on Infrastructure, Public Transport and Communications, and the Parliamentary Special Select Committee on Human Rights, Elections, and Institutional Reform.
"While drafting this bill, the MCMC has held several engagement sessions with stakeholders.
"However, I observed that there were issues raised (during the sessions) that were focused on the Communications and Multimedia Act (CMA) 1998 and did not touch on matters raised by members of Parliament while debating the MCMC Act 1998.
"I take note of this and the issues raised by you seem to warrant more attention for us to study and refine, considering that the act would be driven by the MCMC.
"This means that while the CMA may be sound, if we need to strengthen it further, particularly in terms of governance for the Commission, we must give due consideration," he said.
Fahmi also hoped both select committees would obtain the views and suggestions of civil society groups and the public before a new bill is drafted.
This, he added, was to avoid the perception that the act was only intended to serve political interests or only favour one side of the divide.
"All members of Parliament face problems, whether with telecommunication companies or the MCMC, so I hope more people will be able to provide their views to the committee.
"This is so that we can consider things together and present a bill that is agreed upon and supported.
"I look forward to input and views from all parties so we can create a bill that satisfies all parties, and is fair to as many as possible, if not to all," he added.