Proposed Amendments to the Printing Presses and Publications Act

Transparency International Malaysia (TI-M) has consistently called for the repeal or the drastic curbing of the Printing Presses and Publications Act, as other existing laws are more than adequate to curb wrongful acts of the media. Fighting corruption requires a vibrant and independent media to expose malpractices and abuses of those in authority. Malaysia needs independent media that is impartial and is able and willing to report without fear or favour. Unfortunately, mainstream media perhaps due to the Act or their ownership by political parties, seem reluctant to fulfill their oversight role, but fortunately online media have stepped in.

TI-M views with great concern the possibility of extension of the Act to impose supervision over online media. Any attempt to impose restrictions and to curb or have a chilling effect on the independence of the online media will be contrary to the government’s National Key Result Area to curb corruption. TI-M strongly urges the government to refrain from such actions.