Act 589 amendments to enhance function of MCMC, says Fahmi

The proposed amendments to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commision (MCMC) Act 589 aims to strengthen the governance and operations of the MCMC, making it more resilient and sustainable to regulate the communications and multimedia industry, said communications minister Fahmi Fadzil. 

In addition, the amendments to the act will further contribute to the development of related industries in a more focused, competent and efficient manner. This will come through the strengthening of its regulatory activities. 

The minister added that the proposed amendments is in line with the current development and needs of this industry at the local and international levels. 

Don't miss: Dewan Rakyat passes Communications and Multimedia bill 

Meanwhile, Fahmi explained that the one of the main amendments is the separation of the roles of the chairman and the chief executive. Currently, the Act allows the two roles to be held by the same person. 

"In order to establish a mechanism that can improve governance as well as administrative and operational efficiency, these two roles are separated," said Fahmi. 

"This approach is also in line with the legal provisions for most other statutory bodies, which show two different people holding these roles, he added. 

In tandem, the proposed amendment will streamline the MCMC's role in relation to the development and regulation of standards, among other infrastructure and platforms that promote interoperability and services provided in communication networks. 

"With the development of competent and efficient industry, it will indirectly benefit the people and the country's economic growth as a whole," added the minister. 

This comes after the communications and multimedia (Amendments) Bill 2024 (CMA) has reportedly been passed in the Dewan Rakyat through a bloc vote on Tuesday (10 Dec). 59 MPs voted in favour of the bill, 40 were against and one abstained. 122 MPs were absent during the vote. 

According to Free Malaysia Today, communications minister Fahmi said the amendments to the bill balanced freedom of speech by creating restrictions for security, public order and morality. He reportedly added the amendments aim to find the harmony between freedom of expression and the benefits of the digital economy, while ensuring safety and security. 

The amendments also reportedly introduce firmer penalties for offences such as child exploitation and commercial distribution of pornography. Fahmi reportedly explained that the new law would govern the media, mostly involving telecommunications companies. 

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