SEPANG, March 17 — Communications and Digital Ministry (KKD) has asked the Malaysia Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to review the amendment to the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588).

Deputy Communications and Digital Minister Teo Nie Ching said the amendment bill was passed by the Attorney General’s Chamber (AGC) and the Cabinet before the 15th general election but the federal government needed a bit of time to study what the suggested amendments were.

"Currently the briefing (with MCMC) has yet to be completed as there are things that we have asked MCMC to review. After obtaining all input and we’re happy with the draft bill, then we will send it to the AGC and the Cabinet for approval,” she told the media after launching the #BeCyberSmart campaign and Protect 360 app by Courts Malaysia and F-Secure Corp here today.

She added that if everything went well, the bill could be tabled at the next parliamentary session. Teo was reported to have said that KKD was assessing and studying Act 588 to ensure that the freedom of speech needed limitations and should not touch on sensitivities that would affect the country’s harmony.

She said that the ministry was now reviewing Section 233 so that the amendment could be made to provide MCMC with wider powers and also about raising the punishment under Section 233.

In other developments, Teo said the MCMC would investigate individuals who misuse the name or position of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) for certain reasons online.

She said the investigation by the MCMC would be sent to the police for further action.

On March 15, the PMO said that certain parties were deliberately misusing the name or the position of the PMO for certain reasons, which would have a negative effect on the credibility of the office and other government institutions. — Bernamaz