THE government is steadfast in wanting to repeal the Anti-Fake News Act 2018 and will not commit a U-turn on that matter, said Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Mohamed Hanipa Maidin. 

He said there are other prevailing laws that can be used to counter the spread of fake news, including against those who insult Islam and the Prophet Mohammad.

“The government has no intention in making a U-turn on the fake news law. We are consistent in our plan in wanting to repeal the Anti-Fake News Act 2018,” he replied to a question from Ismail Abd Muttalib (Maran-BN) on the issue.

Hanipa said the opposition will suffer if the Anti-Fake News Act is retained.

“With the law still in place, Barisan Nasional will be deeply affected.”

He added that no Malaysian has been investigated or charged under the law since it took effect last April 11.

The Pakatan Harapan government had passed a bill to repeal the law in Dewan Rakyat last August 16.

In September, the Barisan Nasional (BN)-majority senate rejected the repeal bill, keeping the Act in force.

The law was passed by the previous BN administration weeks before the general election last May. – March 27, 2019