PUTRAJAYA, March 2 – Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has refuted allegations that his ministry will amend the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 to rein in online media in the country.
He admitted there were discussions about the act but said they involved aspects to boost the value of compounds of infractions or breaches of the existing Act.
“Amendments to control online media are definitely not on our radar,” he said at a media conference on Friday, adding that there were also no such suggestions from any parties.
He also denied that his ministry was opposed to the setting up of the Media Council as reported by the media.
“I was shocked when I heard about this issue and the Home Ministry (KDN) secretary-general (Datuk Ruji Ubi) and I have seen and checked which parts we disagree with, it’s not correct,” he said, reiterating that the Home Ministry had no objection towards the setting up of the council that is set to be tabled at the Parliament session in June.
