Malaysia

Fahmi offers 'condolences' to Wan Saiful amid Bersatu disciplinary action

Minister of Communications urges patience for Wan Saiful Wan Jan following his expulsion from Bersatu, while highlighting Malaysia’s ongoing efforts to regulate harmful online content and enhance digital safety

Updated 11 months ago · Published on 03 Nov 2025 5:26PM

Fahmi offers 'condolences' to Wan Saiful amid Bersatu disciplinary action
Authorities had at work to regulate harmful online content and enhance digital safety - November 3, 2025

MINISTER of Communications Datuk Fahmi Fadzil today extended his 'condolences' to Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan following his expulsion from BERSATU, suggesting the embattled MP should even consider making a film about his experiences.

Speaking during the winding-up debate on the 2026 Supply Bill at the Dewan Rakyat, Fahmi urged Wan Saiful to remain patient amid the “very great trial” he is facing.

"First, I offer my 'condolences' and hope Tasek Gelugor remains patient in the face of this very great trial," Fahmi said. "You are a very good man and should not be treated in this way. I hope justice will be served for YB."

Wan Saiful expressed gratitude for the words of support and revealed that Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah will also appear before Bersatu’s Disciplinary Board on Thursday.

The minister’s comments came after Wan Saiful interjected during the debate to raise concerns about the Malaysia–United States Reciprocal Trade Agreement (ART), particularly its impact on broadcasting licensing and potential negative effects on the nation.

On 14 October, Bersatu’s Disciplinary Board terminated Wan Saiful’s membership and suspended that of Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal for one term over issues surrounding statutory declarations allegedly linked to efforts to pressure the party president, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, to resign.

Saifuddin is set to attend a disciplinary hearing on Thursday amid allegations of his involvement in the same movement.

Separately, Fahmi provided an update on efforts by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to curb harmful online content. From 1 January 2022 to 15 October this year, MCMC submitted 1,521 takedown requests to platform providers concerning offensive or extremely offensive content involving children, with 96 per cent, or 1,456 cases, successfully removed.

"MCMC implements regulatory and enforcement functions under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588) and other relevant laws," he said.

"As the industry regulator, MCMC takes a comprehensive approach to ensure harmful content is controlled while protecting vulnerable groups, especially adolescents and children."

Fahmi added that MCMC will require internet messaging and social media service providers to obtain a Class C Application Service Provider (ASP) licence under Act 588 from 1 January 2025.

He also noted the government’s introduction of the Online Safety Act 2025 (Act 866) to strengthen digital security in Malaysia.

"The act aims to regulate harmful content and set obligations for licensed application service providers, content application service providers, and network service providers," Fahmi explained.

"Currently, MCMC is developing 10 subsidiary regulations under Act 866 to detail the responsibilities of licensed service providers in managing online harm." - November 3, 2025

Politics, Bersatu, MCMC, Digital Safety, Communications, Online Regulation

Minister of Communications urges patience for Wan Saiful Wan Jan following his expulsion from Bersatu, while highlighting Malaysia’s ongoing efforts to regulate harmful online content and enhance digital safety

Minister of Communications Datuk Fahmi Fadzil today extended his condolences to Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan following his expulsion from BERSATU, suggesting the embattled MP might even consider making a film about his experiences.

Speaking during the winding-up debate on the 2026 Supply Bill at the Dewan Rakyat, Fahmi urged Wan Saiful to remain patient amid the “very great trial” he is facing.

"First, I offer my condolences and hope Tasek Gelugor remains patient in the face of this very great trial," Fahmi said. "You are a very good man and should not be treated in this way. I hope justice will be served for YB."

Wan Saiful expressed gratitude for the words of support and revealed that Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah will also appear before Bersatu’s Disciplinary Board on Thursday.

The minister’s comments came after Wan Saiful interjected during the debate to raise concerns about the Malaysia–United States Reciprocal Trade Agreement (ART), particularly its impact on broadcasting licensing and potential negative effects on the nation.

On 14 October, Bersatu’s Disciplinary Board terminated Wan Saiful’s membership and suspended that of Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal for one term over issues surrounding statutory declarations allegedly linked to efforts to pressure the party president, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, to resign.

Saifuddin is set to attend a disciplinary hearing on Thursday amid allegations of his involvement in the same movement.

Separately, Fahmi provided an update on efforts by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to curb harmful online content. From 1 January 2022 to 15 October this year, MCMC submitted 1,521 takedown requests to platform providers concerning offensive or extremely offensive content involving children, with 96 per cent, or 1,456 cases, successfully removed.

"MCMC implements regulatory and enforcement functions under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588) and other relevant laws," he said.

"As the industry regulator, MCMC takes a comprehensive approach to ensure harmful content is controlled while protecting vulnerable groups, especially adolescents and children."

Fahmi added that MCMC will require internet messaging and social media service providers to obtain a Class C Application Service Provider (ASP) licence under Act 588 from 1 January 2025.

He also noted the government’s introduction of the Online Safety Act 2025 (Act 866) to strengthen digital security in Malaysia.

"The act aims to regulate harmful content and set obligations for licensed application service providers, content application service providers, and network service providers," Fahmi explained.

"Currently, MCMC is developing 10 subsidiary regulations under Act 866 to detail the responsibilities of licensed service providers in managing online harm." - November 3, 2025

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