Kuala lumpur: Malaysia's Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (CMA) remains a future-ready and technology-neutral legislation capable of adapting to emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI). Panellists at the Regional and Global Regulatory Collaboration dialogue today highlighted the CMA's technology-neutral framework and built-in flexibility, which have enabled it to stay relevant despite rapid technological advancements. This adaptability allows the Act to evolve through targeted amendments and subsidiary legislation where necessary.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Chief of Strategic Planning and Membership and Special Advisor to the Secretary-General Sulyna Abdullah emphasized the importance of agile, adaptable, and anticipatory regulation of emerging technologies. She noted that the CMA incorporates these characteristics, making significant amendments unnecessary, even in the context of AI.
Legal Advisor at the Ministry of Communications Farhati Ahmad Tajuddin explained that the CMA was drafted as a technology-neutral legislation with enough flexibility to accommodate future technological developments. She pointed out that the Act's definitions and mechanics are designed to be future-proof, with the primary Act and subsidiary legislation providing a robust framework.
The session was moderated by Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) senior advisor (operations) Datuk Zurkarnain Mohd Yasin during the International Regulators Conference (IRC) 2026, which concluded today.
On a separate matter, Sulyna Abdullah stressed that while regulatory frameworks should reflect each country's culture and priorities, they must also remain interoperable with regional and global standards. She highlighted the need for international cooperation in addressing digital challenges like AI and cybersecurity.
Meanwhile, Internet Society (ISOC) senior director for regional affairs (Asia-Pacific) Noelle de Guzman advocated for preserving an open internet. She explained that technical safeguards like the Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocol are crucial for maintaining internet openness by securing communications and enabling safe online transactions.
Senior Officer at the ASEAN Secretariat's Digital Economy Division Hazremi Hamid emphasized the importance of stronger regional regulatory cooperation as digital services cross national borders. He announced the conclusion of negotiations on the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), which is expected to be signed at the ASEAN Summit in the Philippines this November. The agreement aims to strengthen cross-border digital cooperation while respecting national sovereignty.
The dialogue session was part of the two-day IRC 2026, hosted by the MCMC, which brought together regulators, industry leaders, and experts to discuss digital economy and regulatory issues in the communications and multimedia sector.