Bersih denies skipping MCMC briefing on social media licensing

August 3, 2024

Bersih denies skipping MCMC briefing on social media licensing

PETALING JAYA: Bersih today disputed the claim by communications minister Fahmi Fadzil that it had not attended an engagement session on the government’s plan to require social media platforms to apply for a licence.

Its chairman Faisal Abdul Aziz said a representative had attended the briefing held by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) on behalf of both Bersih and the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ).

Faisal added that CIJ and other civil society organisations (CSOs) had proposed that MCMC consider introducing an alternative model to regulate social media instead of requiring licences.

“They also suggested that more in-depth negotiations be held, especially with CSOs, in formulating a social media code of conduct.

“CIJ also suggested that a committee be formed with CSOs, experts and social media platform representatives to study this code of conduct, so that it will not be a top-down approach when MCMC drafts it,” he said in a post on X.

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At a press conference yesterday, Fahmi said Bersih and Muda were invited to an engagement on the matter by MCMC but did not attend.

The government spokesman hit out at the NGO and political party, saying they had many comments about the issue but did not take the opportunity to offer their views and ask questions on an official platform.