Section 5 — Appointment of Commissioner, Deputy Commissioners and Assistant Commissioners of Online Safety

(1)The Minister may appoint any person to be the Commissioner of Online Safety who is responsible for the administration of Parts 2 to 9 and to perform the following functions:

(a)to provide persons affected by online harmful activity with timely means of redress;

(b)to promote online safety for persons;

(c)to perform the powers and duties of the Commissioner under this Act or any other written law subject to the general or special directions of the Minister;

(d)to administer Parts 2 to 9 subject to the general or special directions of the Minister;

(e)to collaborate with the IMDA and any other public agencies, organisations or persons for the promotion of online safety;

(f)to inform and advise the Minister on matters relating to this Act;

(g)to perform any other functions and duties as the Minister may assign to the Commissioner.

(2)The Minister may in writing appoint any number of Deputy Commissioners of Online Safety and Assistant Commissioners of Online Safety that the Minister considers necessary or expedient for the purposes of Parts 2 to 9.

(3)An appointment under subsection (1) must be published in the Gazette.

(4)The Commissioner, a Deputy Commissioner or an Assistant Commissioner appointed under subsection (1) or (2) is deemed to be a public servant for the purposes of the Penal Code 1871.

(5)Subject to the directions of the Commissioner, the powers and duties of the Commissioner under this Act may be exercised and discharged by a Deputy Commissioner or an Assistant Commissioner.

(6)The Minister may give the Commissioner directions of a general or special character, that are not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, as to the exercise of the powers and discretion conferred on the Commissioner, and the duties imposed on the Commissioner, by this Act.

(7)The Commissioner must give effect to any directions given under subsection (6).