KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 4): Another advocacy group, representing a coalition of media organisations, journalists and civil society advocates, has voiced its opposition against the government's proposed amendments to media-related laws, claiming that the changes pose a serious threat to press freedom, freedom of expression and democratic governance in Malaysia.

In a press statement, the Sekretariat Fourth for the Fourth (404) spoke against the proposed amendments to the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 (PPPA 1984) and the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (CMA), alongside the introduction of a new Online Safety Act (ONSA).

The coalition argued that the legislative changes will increase government control over digital and traditional media, undermining transparency and public accountability.

"Composite of laws being enacted or amended, such as the PPPA, CMA, ONSA and others build a stark picture of extensive government overreach into media freedom and freedom of expression, without effectively stating what is the purported purpose and clear justification for the increased scope, powers and sanctions," it said.

Sekretariat 404 also highlighted the lack of meaningful stakeholder consultation in drafting the laws, "reflecting a disregard for inclusive democratic processes."

The coalition raised concerns over ambiguous terms in the legislation, particularly in the CMA amendments, which include provisions on “harmful content.” The group warned that these vague definitions could be misused to suppress dissent and impose harsh penalties on non-compliant media outlets.

Pointing to Malaysia’s federal constitution, the group emphasised that the proposed changes are in conflict with Article 10, which guarantees freedom of speech, and violate international standards on freedom of expression.

“Press freedom is not just a media issue — it is a public right and the foundation of an informed society,” Sekretariat 404 stressed. “Without it, the public’s ability to hold power to account is severely compromised.”

The coalition called on the government to halt the proposed amendments and instead focus on fostering media independence and transparency.

“Accelerate the formation of an independent Malaysian Media Council to foster self-regulation and accountability within the media industry,” the statement read.

The coalition called for efforts to enact a Right to Information Act, which focuses on promoting transparency, rather than imposing restrictive controls on the press.

Sekretariat 404’s call for action comes amid criticism by civil society groups against the government's proposed amendments of the CMA. On Tuesday, the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) and Article 19 called on the government to delay the second reading of the bill to amend the CMA in Dewan Rakyat until further meaningful public and stakeholder consultations are conducted, with all feedback made publicly available.

A local news portal reported that more than 50 members of Sekretariat 404, consisting of media and NGO personnel, marched peacefully to the parliament earlier on Wednesday to hand over the memorandum to Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil and the prime minister's press secretary Tunku Nashrul Tunku Abaidah.

Fahmi also reportedly said the communications ministry is working to bring the Malaysian Media Council bill to be tabled for the first reading during the current session of Dewan Rakyat.

He was quoted as saying that the bill would help manage media affairs in a more comprehensive manner. 

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