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Anyone who generates films aimed at audiences in Malaysia, adding videos shared on the TikTok and Instagram social networking sites, will want a state-issued license under a law that rarely applies and acquires new relevance.
The resolution, shown in parliament on Thursday, generated complaints from civil rights teams and the public over fears that the new government led by Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin has eroded freedom of expression since it came into force in March.
“We inspire everyone, big or small, old or young, individuals or organizations to produce films, as long as they comply with the law,” said Media and Communication Minister Saifuddin Abdullah in reaction to a law enforcement issue. TikTok and Instagram users. “If there are complaints, we will take action in accordance with the law and the case.”
Saifuddin later said in a statement that the applicable law should move forward, as it had been implemented before the emergence of social networks such as TikTok and YouTube. “It is worth noting that the government has never used and does not intend to use this law to restrict non-public freedom on social media,” he said.
Al Jazeera is not the only media organization that has damaged Malaysian law in recent months. The Malaysian court initiated contempt proceedings against Malaysiakini and its editor-in-chief in June, following comments posted by readers on the local news site. That same month, police interviewed the news site editor, CodeBlue, for reporting on the effects of a hospital’s chimney in 2016.
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Malaysia’s crackdown on the media is a component of the actions taken by other governments in the region. The Philippines closed its largest broadcaster ABS-CBN Corp., on July 10 when parliament did not renew its franchise, while Maria Ressa, a journalist who runs the Rappler news website, faces several legal challenges, adding a defamation conviction she has promised to combat. and accusations of tax evasion that she denies.
“Should I apply for a filming license now for my IGTV and TikTok? The minister didn’t say no,” lawmaker Wong Shu Qi tweeted. “Gray dominance allows the authority to manipulate and oppress those who oppose authority.”