Tasek Gelugor MP Wan Saiful Wan Jan said that at present, the communications ministry is tasked with monitoring all forms of media, especially online platforms.

“(However) the Printing Presses and Publications Act is under the home ministry’s purview. How will this overlap work? Will it complicate the media situation in Malaysia or simplify it?” he told FMT.

“I am concerned that overly strict regulations could limit the freedom of local media,” added Wan Saiful, who holds the communications portfolio in Perikatan Nasional’s shadow cabinet.

In a joint statement last Saturday, three media rights groups called on the home ministry to clarify Putrajaya’s plans to amend the Printing Presses and Publications Act to include a licensing requirement for online media.

The National Union of Journalists Malaysia, Centre for Independent Journalism, and Gerakan Media Merdeka claimed that the suggested amendments could pave the way for stricter media laws, with harsher punishments and expanded restrictions on press activities.

Wan Saiful said he shared the groups’ concerns and that local media might be stifled if restrictions are imposed, making it difficult for the fourth estate to effectively perform its duty of delivering information to the public.

The Bersatu Supreme Council member also said he intends to meet with the groups’ representatives to better understand their concerns.

Last Sunday, home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the government would engage with the three groups to draft the amendments, and that they would be invited to share their views on the matter.

Yesterday, communications minister Fahmi Fadzil said he was willing to listen to the groups’ views and convey them to the home ministry.

“Although this issue is not under my ministry’s jurisdiction, I will try to address it,” he said.