Government reassures media that it will not be iron-fisted following MCMC debacle

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Malaysia’s digital and communications minister Fahmi Fadzil has assured media that it will not be treated in an "iron-fisted" manner, following the hullabaloo that unfolded last week when several Malaysian journalists said that MCMC must "stop playing big brother".

In the articles, which were titled ‘MCMC must stop playing big brother’, senior journalists called the organisation out for causing media curbs. In response, MCMC reinforced its role in regulating the communications and multimedia industry in Malaysia.

Don't miss: MCMC reinforces role as news outlets call it out for causing media curbs

In recent updates, Minister Fahmi reportedly said that while the government will defend the rights and freedom of the media in reporting, it will not compromise on defamatory and inaccurate reports.

MCMC said that the organisation is guided by the provisions of the Communications and Multimedia Act of 1998, which entrusts the commission to carry out its functions. According to Bernama, he addressed recent incidences of fake news dissemination, which he hoped will now encourage more truthful reporting. He also added that the freedom the media is enjoying under the current government was much better as compared to previous administrations.

Fake news has been a cornerstone for MCMC’s strict dealings with the media industry. It said in an earlier statement that the reason why MCMC has taken a stronger stance against news outlets in recent times is because there has been an alarming increase in news reporting which lacks responsibility, sensibility and accuracy.

“Some news outlets have been found responsible for spreading misleading information or intentionally publishing inaccurate content,” it explained.

“One of MCMC’s primary legal duties is to ensure online platforms are not used for the purpose of committing the commission or attempted commission of any offense under the written laws of Malaysia,” the statement said. It added that it will taking necessary actions to tackle issues such as the spread of false information, offensive content as well as issues pertaining to defamation.

Not only is MCMC clamping down on inaccurate news reporting, but it has also been strict with social media and tech conglomerates. Earlier this year in June, MCMC took legal action against Meta for its failure to cooperate in removing undesirable content from its platforms. MCMC stated that the significant volume of undesirable content relating to the aspects of race, royalty and religion as well as defamation, impersonation and online gambling has caused it to be harder on these platforms.

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