MP Hassan rejects Ambiga's claim of Unity Gov't being dictatorial
Bernama
July 30, 2024 20:00 MYT
July 30, 2024 20:00 MYT
Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Abdul Karim said the government could be criticised for the social media licensing plan, but calling it dictatorial is too much. - SinarHarian/Filepic
KUALA LUMPUR: Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Abdul Karim today refuted former Bersih chairman Datuk S. Ambiga's claim that the Unity Government is the most dictatorial in the country's history.
He said the accusation made by the former Bar Council president was exaggerated.
"The government's proposal to require foreign social media platform companies to obtain a licence under the Communications and Multimedia Act can be challenged, disputed and opposed.
"But accusing the federal government of being dictatorial because of this proposal is excessive and unfair," he said in a Facebook post.
Ambiga was reported as saying in media reports today that the Unity Government is the most dictatorial in the country's history for not abolishing the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 and instead introducing new licensing requirements.
Hassan said that while he is aware the current administration has its weaknesses, he is confident that the government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is not dictatorial.
"How can this government be dictatorial when it has never suspended Parliament by declaring an emergency like the previous Perikatan Nasional government?
"How can Anwar's government be dictatorial when the Suhakam Report is debated in Parliament? The Auditor-General's Report and the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) Report are openly debated in Parliament?" he said.
He also advised Ambiga to be more measured in her accusations against the government.
-- BERNAMA