The government is far from ready to amend the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984, said Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein.
He said the proposed changes are still "at the very, very early stages" and it has not even been decided what exactly the amendments will entail.
"Nothing has been finalised. With the committee (on strengthening government communications) in place, whatever views will first be brought before the committee," Hishammuddin told a press conference today at Parliament House after the committee's first meeting of the year.
Yesterday, Home Ministry secretary-general Mahmood Adam said the government plans to table amendments to the PPPA when Parliament convenes in March.
Source : http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/154561
He said the proposed changes are still "at the very, very early stages" and it has not even been decided what exactly the amendments will entail.
"Nothing has been finalised. With the committee (on strengthening government communications) in place, whatever views will first be brought before the committee," Hishammuddin told a press conference today at Parliament House after the committee's first meeting of the year.
Yesterday, Home Ministry secretary-general Mahmood Adam said the government plans to table amendments to the PPPA when Parliament convenes in March.
This triggered instant protests by opposition politicians and journalists, but Hishammuddin pointed out that those opposed to the plan do not have a clue as to what will be amended.
"Even we don't know what amendments will be made... We might even loosen (provisions of the law)," he said.
Hishammuddin said the proposed amendments were not discussed at today's meeting.
Growing uproar
Yesterday, Bernama had quoted Mahmood as saying that the government feels that the amendments are necessary as "the landscape is totally different now", with the "intrusion" of digital technology into the nation's news industry.
He also claimed that the amendments are not aimed at clamping down on the media, but at closing legal loopholes and making the law “more inclusive".
In a quick response, the National Union of Journalists slammed the government for proposing the amendments, saying it would be a "step backwards" for free flow of information.
"Even we don't know what amendments will be made... We might even loosen (provisions of the law)," he said.
Hishammuddin said the proposed amendments were not discussed at today's meeting.
Growing uproar
Yesterday, Bernama had quoted Mahmood as saying that the government feels that the amendments are necessary as "the landscape is totally different now", with the "intrusion" of digital technology into the nation's news industry.
He also claimed that the amendments are not aimed at clamping down on the media, but at closing legal loopholes and making the law “more inclusive".
In a quick response, the National Union of Journalists slammed the government for proposing the amendments, saying it would be a "step backwards" for free flow of information.
The government is also finalising guidelines on sedition, that will cover content published online such as in news portals and blogs. It will clarify related legislation in a do's and don'ts format for the public.
Source : http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/154561
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