Newly minted Communications and Multimedia Minister Saifuddin Abdullah has promised to uphold the freedom of speech.
"We have to have this balance.
"Freedom of media must be upheld but you can't compromise on fake news... but I can assure you that I will continue upholding freedom of speech and freedom of organisation.
"That you can take it from me regardless of which party I belong to," Saifuddin (above) told the media in Putrajaya today.
He also stressed that he is still the same person, despite being in a new ministry and political landscape.
"I am the same Saifuddin that upholds freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law."
Earlier, Saifuddin was asked whether he would bring back the anti-fake news law, in which the former PKR MP, who is now with Bersatu, said that "it is something that I will look into."
"I understand that there was once an anti-fake news (law), and then the revocation of it.
"It's not fair if I were to make any specific announcement on how we will deal with it because this involves other ministries too.
"But this will definitely be something that I will look into," he said.
Last year, Malaysia had scrapped the Anti-Fake News Act.
In 2018, the Dewan Rakyat passed the bill to abolish the Act but it was halted after the senate rejected it.
The bill was tabled again in October last year and approved by the senate in December.
Freedom of Information Act part of the agenda
Saifuddin, in his brief speech to the media during a media conference at the ministry's headquarters, said that he will continue the policies and programmes already in effect or under implementation to ensure the services are delivered to the people.
"Meanwhile, some changes and new approaches will be introduced," he said.
On the introduction of the Freedom of Information Act, Saifuddin has made it clear that it's in the pipeline.
"I think the Freedom of Information Act is very much the agenda that we will pursue," he said.
The previous Pakatan Harapan government was committed to implementing the Act in line with its manifesto.
"Meanwhile, some changes and new approaches will be introduced," he said.
On the introduction of the Freedom of Information Act, Saifuddin has made it clear that it's in the pipeline.
"I think the Freedom of Information Act is very much the agenda that we will pursue," he said.
The previous Pakatan Harapan government was committed to implementing the Act in line with its manifesto.
Permatang Pauh MP Nurul Izzah Anwar had said that the law would be formulated in stages.
On whether the ministry is keen to continue the previous government's effort to set up a media council, Saifuddin said he will look into the progress of the work involved and obtain a full brief from various stakeholders before deciding on the next step.
Gender equality
Saifuddin, who was the foreign affairs minister under the Harapan government, explained that he will also push for gender equality in the Communications and Multimedia Ministry as how he did in his previous ministry.
Gender equality
Saifuddin, who was the foreign affairs minister under the Harapan government, explained that he will also push for gender equality in the Communications and Multimedia Ministry as how he did in his previous ministry.
"A gender responsive budget will be part of our budget preparation for next year, of course, gender equality will come along.
"We should celebrate this year's 25th anniversary of the fourth world conference on women.
"Gender equality should be on our agenda and the gender responsive budget will be practised as we prepare for Budget 2021.
"I will announce it later," he said.
5G technology on track
Meanwhile, Malaysia is set to roll out 5G technology in the third quarter of the year.
"It will continue, but since Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin mentioned yesterday that they are trying to review some additions, as much as we want to roll it out as soon as possible, we will be talking to the Ministry of Finance on what the situation is.
"If we are not part of a new reviewed stimulus package, we will roll it out immediately," he said. - Mkini
"We should celebrate this year's 25th anniversary of the fourth world conference on women.
"Gender equality should be on our agenda and the gender responsive budget will be practised as we prepare for Budget 2021.
"I will announce it later," he said.
5G technology on track
Meanwhile, Malaysia is set to roll out 5G technology in the third quarter of the year.
"It will continue, but since Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin mentioned yesterday that they are trying to review some additions, as much as we want to roll it out as soon as possible, we will be talking to the Ministry of Finance on what the situation is.
"If we are not part of a new reviewed stimulus package, we will roll it out immediately," he said. - Mkini
Hahahaha first from A jump to B, then from B jump back to A. I use to respect him for a man with principles. Not any more
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