EXISTING laws, including the Sedition Act, can be used to ensure news outlets do not publish misleading reports, the Dewan Rakyat heard today.

Deputy Communications and Multimedia Minister Eddin Syazlee Shith said it is Putrajaya’s hope that media organisations abide by journalistic ethics and produce news that is truthful, fair and in accordance with local values.

“The government is setting up a media council soon. Action can be taken against media organisations that cause confusion among the public.

“In some cases, action can be taken against the media using the Sedition Act, Official Secrets Act, Printing Presses and Publications Act, Communications and Multimedia Act, and Copyright Act,” he said during question time.

He was replying to Zahidi Zainul Abidin (Padang Besar-BN), who asked the ministry about actions taken to ensure ministers’ statements are not twisted in news reports.

Cha Kee Chin (Rasah-PH), in a supplementary question, asked whether the legal action taken against the media is based on old laws.

“We will act based on existing laws. We just have to differentiate whether the issue involves fake news or the media spinning their reports,” said Eddin.

“There are matters that can cause political instability. Action can be taken using the laws I just mentioned.”

He said individuals have been charged and fined for spreading fake news.

“But the power to prosecute is with the Home Ministry.”

Some of the laws stated had been slammed as oppressive by Pakatan Harapan when it was in the opposition.

The PH government has yet to be able to repeal the Anti-Fake News Act – a Barisan Nasional legacy – and Sedition Act.

Eddin said his ministry’s Information Department issues accreditation passes to media practitioners to keep them in check, and ensure accurate reporting.

He said 4,419 passes have been issued since last year.

Zahidi, in a supplementary question, accused the ministry of failing to act against individuals who post racist and religiously insensitive remarks, as well as comments deemed disrespectful to the royalty.

He cited a post that slammed Johor Crown Prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ismail that was not taken down by the authorities.

“Action should also be taken against people who encourage others to do such things, like criticising the Malay rulers.”

Eddin denied the ministry has failed in its duties, saying: “We just do not monitor the internet around the clock. We do take action through the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, based on reports lodged and police investigations.” – April 11, 2019.