KUALA LUMPUR: As Malaysia's new ministers gather for their first big meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, there are undoubtedly many who have already hit the ground running.

Hours before announcing his cabinet line-up on Friday night, Anwar had already said he would meet with them to "announce a few new rules".

What these rules are is anyone's guess, but the ministers have had the entire weekend to map out their own paths and what they want to do with their portfolios.

Some have even met with key players in their ministries and come up with their key performance indicators. 

The New Straits Times checked with several ministers and found that they have planned what they want to do and achieve, even though they officially clock in only today.

For Digital Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, fighting the spread of fake, misleading, and extremist content, especially on social media, is top on the list of missions.

The first-time minister described the situation as worrying, with the latest being the dissemination of racially charged "May 13" hate videos on TikTok.

The TikTok management has since been called up by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission and police to provide an explanation for three sponsored videos on the platform. 

"We must draw the line. People who spread misinformation, fake news and extremist content must be taken to court.  Social media platforms must respect laws in this country.

"One of the first things I will do is meet with the representatives of social media platforms and ensure that they understand this (the laws) and I want it to be conveyed to them very clearly," Fahmi told NST.

He said he looked forward to learning what could be improved in Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM), the country's first public broadcaster. 

Fahmi said he had met with the RTM team in Angkasapuri, which is housed in his Lembah Pantai constituency, but with his new ministerial role, he would visit them in a different capacity.  He said he was considering setting up an office in Angkasapuri. 

"At the same time, we have to look at what can be done for RTM, either in terms of content or format, as well as the challenges they are facing with regard to viewership. These are some aspects that I am interested in.

"Malaysians still rely on RTM because it is free-to-air and it is a very important aspect of the ministry.

"I look forward to getting to know more about RTM and exploring new opportunities for our media."  

Fahmi said he was proud that RTM, in terms of general election coverage, was one of the most reliable and trustworthy news outlets.

In the cabinet meeting today, the PKR information chief said the cost-of-living issue, which Anwar has publicly expressed concern about, may be the priority. 

"I am certain that matters related to the economy, how we dispense our duties and how we  conduct ourselves, such as not receiving gifts, and Anwar not taking his salary or ministers taking a pay cut, will be raised in the meeting." 

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri also hit the ground running, meeting with her ministry's secretary-general yesterday.

"I will be meeting with at least three women-related non-governmental organisations by next week. They have requested to meet up.  I will also be visiting institutions under the ministry soon." 

Nancy believed that in the meeting today, Anwar would talk about his policies in running the government. 

"Perhaps there would be changes in line with the country's economy."

Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said he was looking forward to guidance from Anwar on how they could work to enable the country to move forward, especially in efforts to boost the economy. 

"I believe Anwar will present to us his priorities, expectations of every ministry and how to make improvements," he said, adding that he would hold engagement sessions with the ministry's staff after clocking in today afternoon. 

Bernama reported yesterday that Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad would focus on issues related to floods, energy use, climate change and environmental protection.

These, he said, were the four key issues that Malaysians were concerned about.

"This is a huge esponsibility, challenges related to current issues, for instance, climate change, floods and energy. I know youths are also very concerned about it.

"I will look at issues that will be priorities and what the government can do to shore up readiness. We don't just talk about tackling climate change, we need to adapt ourselves to it and try our best (to tackle it) before it gets worse."