Mcmc Act Amendments Referred To Pssc For Scrutiny

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PARLIAMENT | The government has deferred plans to amend laws governing the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) for further scrutiny by two special parliamentary committees.
This came after MPs from both sides of the political divide urged for the MCMC (Amendment) Bill 2024 to be referred to parliamentary special select committees (PSSCs).
“You have asked and I have delivered,” quipped Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil when announcing the deferral of the Bill.
The move contrasts with amendments to the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (CMA), which was passed without any changes yesterday despite similar bipartisan calls to refer it to PSSCs.
Among those who called for the MCMC amendment bill to be referred to PSSCs during today’s proceedings were Yuneswaran Ramaraj (Harapan-Segamat), Lee Chean Chung (Harapan-Petaling Jaya), and Shahidan Kassim (PN-Arau).
Fahmi (above) noted that many of the issues raised by MPs about the Bill had not been addressed by relevant stakeholders at MCMC’s engagement sessions.
Malaysian Communications and Multimedia CommissionReferring the Bill to the PSSC on Infrastructure, Transport, and Communications, as well as the PSSC on Human Rights, Electoral, and Institutional Reform, would allow more feedback on the Bill to be gathered, he said.
“I hope both committees will thoroughly review this Bill and invite external stakeholders, as we do not want to create the perception that this Act is merely for political gain or to favour one side.
“The MCMC belongs to all Malaysians. Therefore, I hope more people will provide their views through these committees, so we can consider them and table a Bill that is expected to be agreed upon and supported by all parties,” he added.
The Bill seeks to amend the MCMC Act 1998, which outlines the communication regulator’s organisation, function, and powers.
It would separate the roles of the MCMC chairperson and chief executive officer, which are currently held by the same person.
When presenting the bill for its second reading yesterday, Fahmi said the amendments would improve the MCMC and strengthen its governance.
CMA amendments passed
The Dewan Rakyat passed a related legislation yesterday, namely the amendments to the CMA that regulate various aspects of the telecommunications industry including the behaviour of internet users.
The Bill was passed through a bloc vote with 59 MPs in favour, 40 MPs in opposition, and one MP abstaining. Another 122 MPs were absent.
This was despite concerns that the CMA - particularly its controversial Section 233 - remains open to abuse.
William Leong (Harapan-Selayang), Wan Saiful Wan Jan (PN-Tasek Gelugor), and Ramkarpal Singh (Harapan-Bukit Gelugor) had called for the CMA amendments to be referred to a PSSC, but to no avail. - Mkini

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