PPPA changes: Journalists stage protest march to Parliament
More than 50 media professionals and NGO members marched to Parliament today to deliver a memorandum advocating for media freedom while objecting to proposed amendments to the Printing Presses and Publications Act (PPPA).
The march, organised by the National Union of Journalists Peninsular Malaysia (NUJM) Geramm, and the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ), began at Taman Tugu and covered a distance of approximately 500m before reaching Parliament.
Besides journalists - including those from...
More than 50 media professionals and NGO members marched to Parliament today to deliver a memorandum advocating for media freedom while objecting to proposed amendments to the Printing Presses and Publications Act (PPPA).
The march, organised by the National Union of Journalists Peninsular Malaysia (NUJM) Geramm, and the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ), began at Taman Tugu and covered a distance of approximately 500m before reaching Parliament.
The three groups are banded together as the Fourth for the Fourth (404) secretariat, in reference to the media being the fourth estate or pillar to democracy, while the abbreviation is a play on the error code displayed when a website is not accessible.
Besides journalists - including those from Malaysiakini’s NUJ branch - among those present were activist Fahmi Reza and representatives from Suaram, Sisters in Islam and more.
The proposed amendments reportedly include reintroducing an annual licensing scheme for media publications and extending the PPPA to online media.
Among the key demands in the memorandum are:
Stop amendments and new legislation that restrict freedom of speech
Respect the role of the media as the fourth estate
Implement an inclusive consultation process
Abolish outdated and oppressive laws
Establish an independent Media Council
Malaysiakini is a signatory to the memorandum.
Speaking during the march, Malaysiakini’s NUJ branch chairperson Hariz Mohd, called on the government to take stakeholders’ concerns seriously.
“We hope Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the Home Ministry, and the Communications Ministry will include us in drafting any amendments from the beginning.
“We want a meaningful session, not just a consultation calling us, but don’t consider our opinion.
“Our concern is valid; we are not here just to fight, but media freedom is something important for the well-being of a democratic country,” he said.
The marchers arrived outside Parliament around 10.45am, where Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Abdul Karim met them.
Receiving the memorandum, Hasan expressed his support for responsible media freedom, emphasising its importance for democratic progress.
“If we want to safeguard democratic space, we must allow the media to operate freely and responsibly - not freedom without accountability - as guaranteed by our Federal Constitution,” he explained.
Shortly after, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil arrived to receive the memorandum.
Fahmi acknowledged the challenges faced by the media industry, including revenue losses due to social media platforms, and highlighted the ministry’s efforts to introduce the Media Council Act.
“The reality today is that the media industry is facing immense challenges and trials, including issues stemming from social media. One of these challenges is the loss of revenue caused by social media, among others.
“In this context, I observe several initiatives undertaken by the ministry, including efforts to table the first reading of the Media Council Act. This initiative aims to assist in more comprehensively managing media affairs,” he said.
Commenting further, Fahmi said he would present the feedback raised by the media to Anwar for his awareness and consideration.
“I believe the cabinet will make sound decisions on all matters, including deliberations on amendments to the law.
“Most importantly, we want to foster a positive environment for media practitioners, ensuring open communication while upholding the rights and freedoms of media practitioners, as well as those of the public,” he added.
The PPPA is under the purview of the Home Ministry.
Tasek Gelugor MP Wan Saiful Wan Jan, representing the opposition bloc, received the memorandum and pledged to bring the matter, including proposed amendments to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission Act, to a Perikatan Nasional meeting later today.
“This is a commendable effort, but unfortunately, we are still forced to do this.
“While the initiative is positive, such gatherings should not be necessary, especially when the Dewan Rakyat is in session," he said.
"The government claims to champion freedom of expression, yet we are seeing increasing restrictions on both traditional and social media,” he added.
Wan Saiful also highlighted that the Media Council Act, which should have been implemented two years ago, has been delayed far too long, with various media-related Acts in need of review and placement under the council’s jurisdiction.
“This has been a longstanding issue that should not have taken this long. I raised it in Parliament last year, and I still struggle to understand why it takes so much time. I am genuinely concerned about the council - it’s been far too delayed,” he added.
He also expressed skepticism about the government's intentions.
"There seems to be a convoluted effort to create the illusion of protecting freedom of speech, but I don’t believe that’s the real aim," he concluded.
Other MPs present to accept the memorandum included DAP’s Kota Melaka MP Khoo Poay Tiong and Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid. Representatives from the Home Ministry and Digitial Ministry also received the memorandum.
