BANDAR BAHARU: Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has assured that the ministry will engage with media practitioners in drafting the proposed amendments to the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984.
Saifuddin said that the proposed amendments have yet to be finalised and emphasised the ministry's commitment to consulting all relevant stakeholders to gather their feedback and address their concerns.
"The best platform, in a civilised manner, is through engagement. We will invite them to share their views on the amendments.
"If there are positives, they can make their case. If there are aspects they consider excessive, they are welcome to voice their concerns.
"We have adopted an open approach; we are willing to listen and improve the draft. Our commitment to these engagement sessions with all stakeholders should not be questioned.
"We haven't tabled the amendments in Parliament yet, so there is still ample opportunity for discussion," he said at a press conference held at SK Permatang Pasir today after jointly launching the national-level School Anti-Drug Campaign 2024 with Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek.
Also present were Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Awang Alik Jeman, Education Ministry secretary-general Datuk Ruji Ubi, and National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) director-general Ruslin Jusoh.
Saifuddin was responding to media rights groups' calls for the Home Ministry to clarify a purported proposal to amend the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984, which reportedly includes licencing requirements for online media.
The National Union of Malaysian Journalists (NUJM), the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ), and Gerakan Media Merdeka (Geramm), in a joint statement issued yesterday, 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.
They expressed concerns about the potential impact on media freedom in Malaysia if these amendments were implemented.
Saifuddin expressed confidence that the matter could be resolved through constructive engagement with media organisations.
"We should look at the Home Ministry's track record in handling complex amendments.
"For instance, the most controversial constitutional amendment on citizenship required over a year of stakeholder consultations.
"From my experience with the citizenship amendment, I observed that many parties were genuinely committed to finding solutions.
"I believe media groups share the same spirit. I want to assure them that we will continue to engage with them before tabling the amendments in Parliament," he added.