Must PPPA be abolished for the Media Council to be effective?

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The Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 Must Be Abolished for the Malaysian Media Council to Be Effective

The Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) maintains that the Printing Presses and Publications Act (PPPA) 1984 must be repealed for the proposed Malaysian Media Council (MMC) to function effectively. CIJ argues that the continued existence of the PPPA would undermine the credibility and self-regulatory purpose of the MMC, rendering it ineffective as an independent body.
Abolition of PPPA is Crucial for Media Council's Effectiveness

CIJ has reiterated its firm position that the abolition of the PPPA 1984 is a prerequisite for the Malaysian Media Council (MMC) to succeed. This stance comes in the wake of the appointment of 17 members to the pro-tem committee tasked with charting the direction and structure for the MMC's establishment. CIJ views the simultaneous existence of both the PPPA and the MMC as contradictory to the concept of a self-regulatory body for media standards.
Historical Precedents of Failed Media Council Attempts

Previous efforts to establish a media council in Malaysia, dating back decades, largely failed due to the government's unwillingness to repeal the PPPA. CIJ points to this history as evidence that the continued application of the PPPA would impede the progress and effectiveness of any new media council initiative. The act's existing powers create a conflict with the intended self-governance of the media industry.
Government Oversight Under PPPA Undermines Self-Regulation

The core of CIJ's argument lies in the conflict between the PPPA's oversight powers and the MMC's aim of independent self-regulation. CIJ highlights concerns that the Ministry of Home Affairs' authority to issue show-cause letters, summon editors, and threaten license revocation under the PPPA would significantly diminish the public's and industry's confidence in the MMC. This governmental control, they argue, negates the purpose of a voluntary, industry-led body.
PPPA's Role Contrasts with Media Council's Objectives

CIJ contrasts the PPPA's function of granting government control over the media with the MMC's intended role of enhancing media standards, ethics, and credibility. While the MMC is envisioned as a channel for public complaints and upholding international journalistic standards through voluntary action, the PPPA has historically been used to ensure media alignment with government political objectives. CIJ suggests that this alignment has not necessarily led to improved ethical standards, particularly in cases where media practices, though unethical, did not politically challenge the government.

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Must PPPA be abolished for the Media Council to be effective?

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