Why is CIJ insistent on repealing PPPA before establishing MMC?

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CIJ Insists on PPPA Repeal for Media Council Effectiveness

The Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) is insistent on the repeal of the Printing Presses and Publications Act (PPPA) 1984 before or concurrently with the establishment of the Malaysian Media Council (MMC) to ensure the latter's effectiveness as a self-regulatory body. CIJ argues that the continued existence of the PPPA would undermine the MMC's credibility and autonomy, rendering its purpose of independent media regulation moot. Previous attempts to establish a similar council failed precisely because the government was unwilling to abolish the PPPA, highlighting a historical impediment to genuine media self-governance.
Undermining Self-Regulation

CIJ contends that the simultaneous operation of the PPPA and the proposed MMC would fundamentally contradict the concept of a self-regulatory body. The PPPA grants the Ministry of Home Affairs significant powers, including the authority to issue show-cause letters, summon editors, and threaten license revocation. These powers, if retained, would allow the government to exert control over the media, thereby diminishing the public's and the industry's trust in the MMC as an independent arbiter of media standards.
Historical Precedent of Failed Attempts

The push for a media council in Malaysia is not new, with previous efforts spanning decades. According to CIJ, these initiatives predominantly failed because the government consistently refused to repeal the PPPA. This historical pattern suggests a deep-seated reluctance to relinquish government control over the press, which has historically prevented the formation of a truly independent media regulatory body.
Government Control vs. Media Ethics

CIJ distinguishes the purpose of the PPPA from that of the MMC, stating that the Act is primarily a tool for government control over media content, often used to ensure alignment with political objectives. This is contrasted with the intended role of the MMC, which is to enhance media standards and ethics and bolster the credibility of news organisations through voluntary industry-led regulation and complaint arbitration. The organisation observes that the PPPA's enforcement has not necessarily led to improved ethical practices, particularly when media outlets conform to the government's political agenda.

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Why is CIJ insistent on repealing PPPA before establishing MMC?

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