PPPA and its expansion are tools to control media, activists say

The Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984’s (PPPA) continued existence and proposed expansion has drawn sharp criticism from media freedom advocates who view it as a tool for controlling the media.

When contacted, Sinar Project coordinator Khairil Yusof highlighted the government's previous use of the PPPA to suppress the print media.

Expressing concerns over Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail's proposal to extend the law to online media, Khairil feared it would tighten government control and threaten media freedom on digital platforms.

“This gives the ministry broad powers to ban anything they deem undesirable," he cautioned, stressing the potential impact on freedom of expression.

During the rule of former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad in the 1980s, the PPPA was amended to require publishers to apply for annual licences.

Back then, the government also suspended operations of The Star, Sin Chew Jit Poh and Watan during the infamous Ops Lalang.

Khairil linked Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act to political censorship, seeing the expansion of the PPPA as another attempt to suppress media freedom online.

Sinar Project coordinator Khairil Yusof

“Our concern is that this would affect freedom of expression online for content publishers in general,” he said.

Gerakan Media Merdeka (Geramm) spokesperson Radzi Razak echoed these concerns, denouncing any efforts to expand the PPPA as regressive steps against media freedom.

He emphasised the historical use of the PPPA to stifle the media before the emergence of online platforms.

“All attempts to expand or enhance the Act are seen as an instrument of control that should not be discussed as the government now controls the media through other means,” he said.

Radzi warned that if the government pursued its controversial suggestion, it would significantly affect media freedom.

Geramm spokesperson Radzi Razak

In a message to Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, Radzi urged him to fulfil promises on media freedom and not to backtrack on commitments.

“Don’t just renege on promises made. The ministry has a chance to change the country. Don’t be a stumbling block,” he added.

On June 2, National Press Club president Ahirudin Attan labelled the expansion as “brainless” and urged the government to abolish the PPPA, suggesting a shift in focus towards addressing concerns about fake news instead.

Irrelevant law

Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) executive director Wathshlah Naidu said the Act's irrelevance in today’s context should translate to abolishing rather than expanding it.

Centre for Independent Journalism executive director Wathshlah Naidu

With the media already under immense pressure over regulations and developments within the digital world, she said the government should instead focus on providing an environment where media can thrive.

She suggested focusing on establishing and empowering the media council to harmonise the standards and adopt a code of conduct in line with international standards and good practices. - Mkini