Gobind said his ministry might not have the time to complete the paperwork needed when the Dewan Rakyat sits on June 25.
“It might take time because it is not about amending an Act but to repeal it. It has also to be submitted to the attorney-general first, ” he told reporters after visiting Wisma Bernama here today. He had earlier visited RTM.
He said as the law had been passed and enforced, his ministry would need to look at the cases of those detained and accused under this law.
Cabinet to discuss freedom of media on Wednesday
Gobind, who became minister after Pakatan Harapan won the May 9 general election, said people had been asking him about media freedom on social media.
He said as in everything else there were limits to media freedom.
“We have laws. There are provisions for people to take up civil and defamation suits for any fake news,” he said adding that his ministry would review laws to see if these were still relevant and also to make the laws clearer for the public.
He also hopes RTM and Bernama will report all news that have news value.
“I do not support any media blackout. I know how it feels to be on the other side. We have to hear from all sides,” he added.
He said mainstream media which continued to offer one-sided news might be left out from the competition as people would turn to news portals for information.
“Media have to report news that is close to the hearts of the people, useful and relevant. The voice of the opposition is also crucial to create a mature society.”
He said he would take up the issue of press freedom to the Cabinet on Wednesday.
Asked if the government would use the BBC model for Bernama where it would be made independent while receiving funds from the government, he said he would set up a media council with representatives who had knowledge of the media industry.
“We need to look at the best ways for independence in reporting. Sometimes if they rely on the government of the day, they might report in such a way as not to lose funds,” he said.
Gobind will also be meeting with news agencies to hear their views.
“We need to revamp a lot of things. We need to free ourselves from the government of the past,” he said.