Kuala lumpur: The Dewan Rakyat today passed the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (Amendment) Bill 2026 to ensure the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) remains sustainable in regulating and developing Malaysia's communications and multimedia industry. The Bill was passed by a majority voice vote after being debated by 14 Members of Parliament from both the government and opposition blocs.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching stated that the appointment of the MCMC chairman and its members by the minister is based on statutory body criteria, including qualifications, integrity, experience, and the ability to lead and steer the commission. She noted that the existing provision since 1998 has allowed the minister to appoint the chairman and other members of the commission. The amendment requiring the chairman not to be a member of any legislative body aims to avoid political conflicts of interest.
Teo further explained the proposed increase in MCMC's financial limit for contracts from RM5 million to RM50 million. She said the move aligns with the Procurement Regulations for Federal Statutory Bodies WP7.5 issued by the Finance Ministry on the use of funds by statutory bodies. Under these regulations, federal statutory bodies fully funded through internal funds may approve procurements of up to RM499 million. However, the ministry believes it is appropriate to increase the limit only to RM50 million, considering it hasn't been revised since 1998.
She added that the increase also considers the rising value of MCMC contracts due to factors such as inflation, technological advancements, and higher material and labour costs. During the debate, Dr Halimah Ali (PN-Kapar) urged the government to strengthen MCMC's independence from political interference by introducing a more transparent appointment process for commissioners and ensuring that all ministerial directions are recorded and tabled in Parliament.
Dr Halimah also suggested adopting an appointment mechanism similar to that used for the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM), with members selected through a more open process based on expertise, experience, and credibility, rather than being determined solely by the minister. In addition, Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin (PN-Masjid Tanah) called for strengthened checks and balances, particularly concerning the use of the Universal Service Provision (USP) Fund, the commission's audit powers, and the transparency of ministerial directions. She proposed that reports on the utilisation of the fund be tabled periodically.
Dr Richard Rapu (GPS-Betong) expressed that the amendments to Act 589 not only strengthened MCMC's institutional structure but also laid the foundation for a more professional, independent, and future-ready regulatory body capable of meeting the challenges of the digital economy.