Communications Minister Fahmi invoked Article 62 of the "Parliamentary Standing Order" to request an extension of the amendment to the "2024 Communications and Multimedia Commission Act", in order to listen to feedback from all parties on the bill.
“I decided to extend the bill after listening to opinions from the Chairman of the Parliamentary Transport, Communications and Infrastructure Select Committee (GPS Tanjung Manis MP) Dato' Yusof, Chairman of the Parliamentary Human Rights, Elections, and Institutional Reform Select Committee (PKR Selayang MP) William Leong, and other MPs.”
Fahmi stated this today (10th) in Parliament while concluding the second reading of the amendment to the "2024 Communications and Multimedia Commission Act".
Fahmi stated that he made this decision after listening to the views of the MPs.
"I do not want the public to think that this bill is solely for political purposes, it is a bill for everyone."
He also suggested inviting the Bar Council to participate in the deliberations.
On Tuesday, the amendment to the "2024 Communications and Multimedia Act" faced strong opposition from several opposition MPs during its second reading in the House of Representatives. Muar MP Syed Saddiq even suggested renaming the amendment to "Gagging Act" or "Heartache Act".
The bill was initially obstructed by PN during the second reading through a recorded vote but was eventually passed and approved by acclamation during the third reading.