Kuala Lumpur: The Dewan Rakyat today passed the BERNAMA (Amendment) Bill 2024 which aims, among others, to make the media industry more inclusive. The bill to amend the BERNAMA Act 1967 (Act 780), the first to be made since the act was enacted in 1967, was passed with a majority voice vote after being debated by eight Members of Parliament.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, when tabling the bill for the second reading earlier, said that it was aimed at ensuring a new, more dynamic composition in line with the current developments and needs of the media industry. He stated that the bill not only offers reforms to the media and digital landscape but will also make the government's communication aspects more effective in facing current challenges.
Fahmi emphasized that the amendment enhances the digital ecosystem in line with the Malaysia MADANI framework by optimizing the use of digital media alongside other conventional media. This amendment is intended to bring balance between the two, aligning with the vision of the Ministry of Communications to strengthen digital networks and infrastructure, as well as social communication, in disseminating information to the people.
The bill seeks to amend Section 2 of the principal Act by inserting a definition of a media organization as 'any entity carrying on the activity of dissemination of news or news material through newspapers, publications, radio, television, or any other forms of mass communication, including electronic or digital platforms'. Fahmi stressed that the amendment to Act 780 proves the commitment of the MADANI Government to creating a media ecosystem with integrity and fairness under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Fahmi also noted that the government aims for the amendments to align with the advancement of the technological and digital world. He highlighted that these changes will streamline Bernama's operations in line with current developments.
When concluding the debate on the bill, Fahmi mentioned that he had asked the ministry to refine and review the objective of the news agency in light of the amendments to the principal Act. Act 780 was enacted to establish and incorporate Bernama as a national news agency to disseminate news throughout the country. Since its establishment, Bernama has played a role in ensuring the effective dissemination of information and news reporting on government policies, serving as a main source of reference for local and international media organizations.