KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 9): The Dewan Rakyat passed the Communications and Multimedia (Amendment) Bill 2024 on Monday, despite calls from several civil society groups to delay the bill and hold more consultations.

The bill received approval from 59 Members of Parliament, while 40 MPs opposed it, as announced by Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul, after a bloc vote or division was called at the request of the opposition.

A total of 122 MPs were absent, and one MP abstained from voting, Johari added.

One of the key amendments in the bill, which sparked heavy debate, is the ministry's proposal to replace the word "offensive" with "grossly offensive" in Section 233(1) to widen the scope of the offence related to the improper use of the internet.

The inclusion of the terms "confusion" and "incomplete" in the section defining falsehoods, as well as the inclusion of "hate speech", has sparked criticism, with opponents arguing that it could restrict freedom of speech in the country.

In his winding-up speech, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil noted that the amendments seek to find an "equilibrium point" between freedom of expression and ensuring safety and security, especially for children and families.

He said the controversial Section 233 cannot be abolished as suggested by several parties, as it is necessary to combat two major cybercrime offences — paedophilia and the online sale of pornography.

"The foundation of these two offences is the misuse of the internet. If we abolish Section 233, it will allow scammers and paedophiles to spread their activities," he said.

Nevertheless, Fahmi emphasised that the government has no objections to criticism and that the amendment also seeks to minimise the potential for abuse by "narrowing the scope" of its provisions.

For example, the bill clearly states that any communication made in "good faith" is not considered grossly offensive, as long as it consists of factual statements that are true in substance, or statements of opinion, he noted.

Following its passage in the Dewan Rakyat, the bill will now be sent to the Senate for debate and approval before being presented for royal consent and enacted into law.

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