KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 10): The Dewan Rakyat has postponed a vote on a bill seeking to restructure the composition of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and expand its functions.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (Amendment) Bill 2024 will instead be referred to a parliamentary special select committee for further scrutiny, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said while wrapping up the second reading debate on Tuesday.
"I hope more stakeholders can provide their views through the committee so that we can collectively draft a law that is agreed upon and supported by all parties," Fahmi said.
One of the key amendments in the proposed bill aims to separate the roles of the MCMC chairman and its newly established chief executive officer. The CEO, who will be appointed by the minister based on the commission's recommendation, will take over the regulator's administrative responsibilities and powers from the chairman.
The bill also proposes a new Section 51A to grant "immunity" to the commission, its members, committees, employees, agents, and anyone acting lawfully on its behalf. This would protect them from being sued or prosecuted for actions, statements, or omissions made in "good faith".
During the debate, several lawmakers called for the bill to be referred to a select committee, citing areas that require improvement and refinement.
Segamat MP Yuneswaran Ramaraj highlighted the MCMC's crucial role in ensuring checks and balances after the passage of the Communications and Multimedia (Amendments) Bill 2024, emphasising the importance of involving stakeholders and civil society organisations in the process.
Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung expressed concerns about the MCMC's ability to develop and regulate infrastructure and platform standards after its expanded functions, given its past performance, which he argued showed significant room for improvement.
"I agree that more comprehensive engagement is needed as we are discussing a critical framework for developing the country’s digital infrastructure," Lee said.
For more Parliament stories, click here.