Bangi MP calls for moratorium on CMA probe, charge for satire

A government lawmaker said today that a moratorium should be imposed on any investigations and prosecutions under Section 233(1) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 concerning satire and parody works.

Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan cited amendments to the Act in response to the latest probe against graphic designer Fahmi Reza over a graphic calling newly appointed Sabah governor Musa Aman as the state’s “number one corruptor”.

“It is clear that the government’s decision to table the amendment bill to Act 588, which, among other things, removes satire and parody from the ‘false’ element in Section 233(1), is a necessary step and will open up greater democratic space for art and literature,” said the DAP leader in a statement.

“The parliamentary approval of this bill sends a clear message regarding the need to protect satire and parody. However, the amendments have yet to come into force.

“While awaiting the royal assent process, gazette notification, and the determination of the effective date for the amendments, a moratorium should be imposed on any investigations and prosecutions under Section 233(1) of Act 588 concerning works of satire and parody,” he stressed.

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He added the proposed moratorium is intended to respect the legislative intention behind passing the amendment bill, as the provisions are not retrospective.

Fahmi yesterday criticised the Pakatan Harapan-led government for not keeping its promise to repeal Section 233 of the CMA, and failure to live up to its assurances that satire and parodies were protected under new amendments to Section 233 of the CMA.

“The Bangi MP, who before joining DAP and becoming an MP was my lawyer in one of my cases (involving the CMA) also said that satire and parody were now allowed, were no longer a crime,” Fahmi told reporters at Bukit Aman.

Commenting further, Syahredzan reminded authorities that every Malaysian citizen is entitled to freedom of speech and expression.

“This right can only be restricted through laws that comply with the Federal Constitution and cannot be done arbitrarily,” he stressed.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reaffirmed that art must have the freedom to flourish, including forms critical of the authorities, as part of building a progressive nation. - Mkini