Amend Act 588: Need to be ‘people-centric’, not suppress freedom of expression – Analyst
KUALA LUMPUR: The government’s action to review and amend the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588) needs to be in line with freedom of expression in this country.
According to University of Technology Mara (UiTM) Security & Political Analyst, Dr Noor Nirwandy Mat Noordin, the amendment should not put pressure on and blame media practitioners in this country, but rather emphasize the violation of the principles of the Federal Constitution and Rukun Negara.
“If this act is reviewed, it does not look at the act that emphasizes blaming the media alone, but more in the form of openness but no compromise to those who violate the principles of the Federal Constitution, Rukun Negara.
“Because we want the learning to come from the media to the community. Out there, sometimes we feel a bit nervous when there is a conflict in certain discussions,” he explained when interviewed by Astro AWANI on Monday.
Noor Nirwandy added that, in addition to studying and improving the act involved, cooperation between the government and media management also needs to be established.
“There are regulations that need to be improved but what is the hope for the community especially we want the act to be people centric , in the interest of the community and it should be fair.
“It should be seen the importance of controlling the media collectively and at the same time giving the media space to report on more critical matters but subject to the principles of the Rukun Negara and the Federal Constitution so as not to go astray,” he added.
Earlier, the Minister of Communications and Digital, Fahmi Fadzil in the Dewan Rakyat Session today explained that his ministry plans to amend Act 588.
However, Fahmi explained, the amendment is not intended to restrict freedom of expression.
