PENERBITAN DIGITAL DAN PENGHARAMAN SIBER DI MALAYSIA: CABARAN UNDANG-UNDANG DALAM ERA MEDIA BAHARU

DIGITAL PUBLISHING AND ONLINE CENSORSHIP: LEGAL CHALLENGES IN THE NEW MEDIA ERA

Abstract

The rapid advancement of digital media and online platforms has transformed the traditional publishing landscape and introduced novel challenges to the Malaysian legal system. This article examines the issue of publication bans within the digital context that commonly referred to as cyber banning which has become increasingly prevalent through restrictions on websites, social media, and digital content. Employing a qualitative doctrinal legal research approach, this study conducts a documentary analysis of existing statutory frameworks, specifically the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 and the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, complemented by a comparative analysis of selected ASEAN nations. The findings reveal that the current legal framework predominantly retains a centralized control model, thereby creating tension with the constitutional guarantee of freedom of speech under Article 10 of the Federal Constitution. Furthermore, the study identifies several critical challenges, including definitional ambiguities, jurisdictional limitations, a lack of transparency in administrative decisions, and the risk of suppressing digital media freedom. Consequently, this article proposes comprehensive legal reforms in Malaysia, including the introduction of explicit judicial review mechanisms, the establishment of a Digital Content Review Commission, and the formulation of cyber guidelines aligned with human rights and digital democracy principles.

ABSTRAK

Perkembangan pesat media digital dan platform dalam talian telah mengubah landskap penerbitan tradisional serta mencetuskan pelbagai cabaran baharu kepada sistem perundangan di Malaysia. Artikel ini bertujuan meneliti isu pengharaman penerbitan dalam konteks digital, atau dikenali sebagai pengharaman siber, yang kini semakin meluas melalui sekatan terhadap laman sesawang, media sosial, dan kandungan digital. Kajian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif perundangan (doctrinal legal research) melalui kaedah analisis dokumen terhadap peruntukan undang-undang sedia ada, khususnya Akta Mesin Cetak dan Penerbitan 1984 (AMCP) serta Akta Komunikasi dan Multimedia 1998 (AKM), di samping analisis perbandingan dengan beberapa negara ASEAN. Hasil kajian menunjukkan bahawa kerangka undang-undang sedia ada masih mengekalkan pendekatan kawalan berpusat yang mencetuskan konflik dengan jaminan kebebasan bersuara di bawah Perkara 10 Perlembagaan Persekutuan. Kajian turut mengenal pasti beberapa cabaran kritikal termasuk kekaburan definisi, had bidang kuasa, isu ketelusan keputusan pentadbiran, serta risiko penindasan terhadap media digital. Oleh itu, artikel ini mencadangkan agar undang-undang Malaysia diperkemas menerusi pengenalan mekanisme semakan kehakiman yang lebih jelas, penubuhan Suruhanjaya Semakan Kandungan Digital, serta penggubalan garis panduan siber yang menepati prinsip hak asasi manusia dan demokrasi digital.