KUALA LUMPUR – In efforts to overcome unethical journalism, the Communications and Digital Ministry intends to examine and amend the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, also known as Act 588.
In the Dewan Rakyat today, its minister Fahmi Fadzil (Lembah Pantai-PH) said that Act 588 will be amended to refine its regulatory framework, especially in terms of network security and reliability.
He added that it is not to diminish the right to freedom of speech or the media.
“The ministry also seriously views the publishing of misleading reports in the form of confusing media statements, such as clickbait, and any wrongdoing must be amended immediately and publicly informed.
“They (journalists) must hold on to ethics and principles of journalism by only reporting accurate and authentic news, in accordance with the provisions of the law,’ he said.
“Any wrongdoing must be amended immediately, and a notice acknowledging the misinformation must be publicly published.”
Fahmi added that any breach of the act could lead to a fine of no more than RM50,000 and jail time of one year, or both, while another fine of RM1,000 a day will be charged if the breach continues after conviction.
Fahmi said this in response to a question by Datuk Seri Shahidan Kasim (Arau-PN) who asked about the extent of control Act 588 had over the freedom of the media, which he alleged has no limits in disseminating information via electronic media.
Shahidan also asked whether the ministry has plans to review acts to overcome unethical and unprincipled journalists who make confusing media statements, such as titles that contradict the content.
Regarding the issue of journalists utilising the term “source” to cite their references, Fahmi said there must be a balance between the practice and authenticity of its contents.
“We (ministry) take note that journalists have the right to protect the identity of their sources, but it must be balanced with the issue of fitnah (slander),” he said.
Fahmi then mentioned television channel Awesome TV as an example, which reportedly published fake news while citing a source that said the government intends to lay off over 800,000 public officers.
As the incident was the sixth instance the channel provided inaccurate news and cited anonymous sources, Fahmi said that he will be meeting them, hoping the discussion between media practitioners and authorities could lead to solutions to the issue at hand.
Social media regulation
Meanwhile, Fahmi clarified that all social media platforms have their own community guidelines, and the government provides no input to content moderation.
He added content on social media platforms such as TikTok is generally taken down through artificial intelligence.
His response was directed to Shahidan, who questioned why the government had asked the social media platform to release community guidelines for certain content and not allow it to continue as usual, following the support Perikatan Nasional received online.
When asked by Howard Lee (Ipoh Timor-PH) about plans to double down on social media moderation via ByteDance, Fahmi said the government will not interfere with commercial issues but will communicate and cooperate with the firm, and other operators, if necessary. – The Vibes, February 20, 2023
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