Govt To Amend FINAS Act After Public Backlash Over Licensing Issue For Social Media Videos
Communications and Multimedia Minister Saifuddin Abdullah also assured the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government does not intend to use the FINAS Act to restrict the personal freedom of individuals on social media.
By Sadho Ram — 24 Jul 2020, 02:58 PM
The Perikatan Nasional (PN) administration has decided to amend the National Film Development Corporation (FINAS) Act 1981 following a public backlash over a need for a licence to produce any type of videos
In a statement issued today, 24 July, Communications and Multimedia Minister Saifuddin Abdullah said that the Cabinet has agreed to amend the FINAS Act to ensure it is up to date with the current times.
The Minister's statement comes after he declared in Dewan Rakyat that one must apply for a licence before making any type of films even if the film type is a video meant for personal social media use.
Later, he seemingly backtracked from his response and said that the act was enacted decades ago and that the government has no intention to stifle individual freedom for social media users.
Saifuddin reiterated his stance about not intending to use the FINAS Act to restrict the personal freedom of individuals on social media
"As a follow-up to my statement yesterday, the Malaysian government reaffirms its commitment to uphold the principles of media freedom and the right to freedom of expression on social media sites," Saifuddin wrote in the statement today.
"Social media users are free to use existing platforms such as TikTok, YouTube and so on, including producing and uploading videos as usual without having to apply for a licence or fear of being prosecuted by FINAS."
