KUALA LUMPUR: The proposed amendments to the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 is not meant to restrict freedom of speech.
Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak said the amendments would cover a wide area, safeguarding the Internet from being abused for pornography, extremism and gambling.
“The amendments are not aimed to control the use of Internet. The government is open to criticism on its policies, but it should be done in a constructive manner, without tarnishing the country’s image which could have adverse effect on the economy,” he said in his speech during the ministerial roundtable and dialogue session with communications industry players organised Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute (Asli) today.
“Before preparing the draft for the amendments of the Act, we had held discussions with stakeholders. It is being scrutinised by the Attorney-General Chambers before it is circulated to the ministries and later tabled in Parliament.
“Some of the industry players (in communications and multimedia) also raised issues like network security and came out with ideas that we will also put into consideration,” he said, refusing to divulge details of the draft.
Also present was Asli chief executive officer Tan Sri Michael Yeoh.