Latest news with #CommunicationsMinistry


The Star
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Anwar calls for AI laws to protect local arts scene
Hot off the press: Anwar with (from left) Kuala Lumpur City Hall chief assistant director (architect) Noor Fazlina Rosley, Dr Wan Azizah, Zunar and Amirudin at the book launch in Shah Alam. — KK SHAM/The Star SHAH ALAM: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has directed two ministries in his Cabinet to protect local creative works from falling prey to the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technology. He said both the Communications Ministry and the Digital Ministry must formulate laws that protect the copyright and authenticity of these works, as well as shield them from vagaries such as plagiarism. If the proliferation of AI technology is not properly regulated, it would negatively impact a multitude of artistic fields and endeavours, he said at the launch of political cartoonist Zunar's autobiography here yesterday. 'It will not only affect cartoonists but also artists, painters, filmmakers and poets. 'Sometimes it (AI) stifles an artist's capabilities and creative capacity,' added Anwar. He said in pursuing measures to protect local creativity, both ministries must also ensure that the nation does not duplicate the mould set by the outside world, but instead cultivate values from within the country to prevent the loss of values and identity. He said the nation's current policies on AI do not separate technology from local values. 'If we want to ensure that AI also emphasises values and what is consistent with our faith, religious beliefs, culture and diversity, our children must be trained in this field,' he said. On another matter, Anwar said there must not be any political interference in matters pertaining to the judiciary as it (the judiciary) must remain independent. However, he said, some of those currently professing to champion the judiciary were once party to political oppression and injustice, adding: 'There must be a clear separation of powers and shared responsibility to save the country.' He also pointed out that the judiciary, which is a noble institution, has also at times been tainted by corruption and abuse of power as shown by history, adding that this was captured and illustrated in Zunar's works. On Zunar's autobiography titled Melukis Dengan Hati: Biografi Perjalanan Seni 50 Tahun Karya Zunar, Anwar said Zunar's work had captured incidents such as the 1MDB scandal. Also at the event were Anwar's wife and Bandar Tun Razak MP Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.


The Star
13-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Media council law takes effect today
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Media Council Act 2025 comes into effect today after Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil ( pic ) signed the gazette yesterday. The Malaysian Media Council Bill 2024, which will move the local mass media industry towards self-regulation, was passed in Dewan Rakyat on Feb 26. The Act comes into effect as Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim attends the National Journalists Day (Hawana) 2025 celebration today as a special guest amid the gathering of some 1,000 local and foreign journalists. Organised by the Communications Ministry with Bernama as the implementing agency, Hawana 2025 features a variety of activities. On June 3, Fahmi reportedly said that new developments regarding the Malaysian Media Council are expected to be announced during the Hawana 2025 Summit. He said the council was established to defend media freedom, ensure fair and responsible reporting, and serve as a channel for the public to voice complaints against the media in a civil manner.


The Star
13-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Media Council Act 2025 takes effect June 14, same day as National Journalists Day
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Media Council Act 2025 will come into effect on June 14. The Act was gazetted on Friday (June 13), with Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil ( pic ) signing off the gazette. The Malaysian Media Council Bill 2024, which will move the local mass media industry towards self-regulation, was passed in the Dewan Rakyat on February 26. The Act will come into effect on the same day as the National Journalists Day (Hawana) 2025 celebration, scheduled to take place on Saturday. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will attend the event as a special guest. It will also see the gathering of some 1,000 local and foreign journalists. Organised by the Communications Ministry with Bernama as the implementing agency, Hawana 2025 will feature a variety of activities. On June 3, Fahmi reportedly said that new developments regarding the Malaysian Media Council are expected to be announced during the Hawana 2025 summit. He said the council was established to defend media freedom, ensure fair and responsible reporting, and serve as a channel for the public to voice complaints against the media in a civil manner.