National Press Club: Abolish PPPA, not expand it

National Press Club president Ahirudin Attan has called on the government to abolish the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 (PPPA) instead of expanding it.

This comes after the Home Ministry is reportedly mulling to expand existing controls to include digital media content.

“What we want is to abolish PPPA, not expand it.

“Perhaps they (the government) didn’t understand that,” he told the media after the club’s Jom Jalan with NPC 2024 programme at Padang Merbok today.

Ahirudin also blasted the expansion proposal as “brainless” and warned it would be rejected by journalists.

“If (the expansion) is true, say goodbye to journalists’ support. Because no journalist would support the idea.

“I don’t speak on behalf of all journalists, but I believe no journalist would come in (to support),” he added.

Instead of making things harder, Ahirudin suggested the government shift its focus to addressing concerns about fake news.

“Our government is concerned about fake news. So, do the right thing and address those problems.

“Don’t make it harder, not only for journalists and other media practitioners but also don’t make it difficult for yourself. We are trying to progress, don’t do something brainless,” he lamented.

‘Inconsistent’

Separately, Ahirudin criticised the World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) as inconsistent.

“RSF once said Brunei’s media in Asia had the most freedom. That is as brainless as the idea of expanding the PPPA,” he highlighted.

National Press Club president Ahiruddin Attan

Malaysia’s position in the World Press Freedom Index fell 34 places to 107th compared to 73rd last year, with a score of 52.07 points.

During the National Journalists’ Day (Hawana) 2024, held in Kuching, Sarawak this year, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he does not mind the downgrade because the government is tough against racists and religious bigots.

Ahirudin said RSF should justify their ranking, as Malaysia once leapt 20 spots but later dropped 34 spots in the index.

He pointed out that if the Home Ministry proceeded with the PPPA expansion, Malaysia’s rankings in the index would further drop.

Comparing Malaysia’s position in the index with Israel, which reported the killing of journalists in Gaza, Ahirudin stressed the importance of RSF improving its technicalism.

“The technicalism should reflect higher professionalism and integrity,” he added. - Mkini