Anti-fake news bill to be passed today

Melati A. Jalil Melati A. Jalil Updated 8 years ago · Published on 29 Mar 2018 1:50PM · 1 Comments

Under the Anti-Fake News Bill 2018, people distributing ‘fake news’ will face hefty sentences of up to 10 years in jail. Media freedom organisations fear the new law could be used to silence journalists reporting on political issues. – EPA pic, March 29, 2018.

THE controversial Anti-Fake News Bill 2018 will be debated and passed by the Dewan Rakyat today.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Azalina Othman Said moved a motion, requesting for today’s sitting to continue until the bill that was tabled on Monday is endorsed by the house. 

“The Dewan Rakyat will not adjourn until the bill is passed today,” she said in the Dewan Rakyat. 

According to the bill, offenders could be fined up to RM500,000 or face 10 years’ jail for spreading false news.

The bill defines “fake news” as “any news, information, data and reports, which is or wholly or partly false, whether in the form of features, visuals or audio recordings or in any other form capable of suggesting words or ideas”. – March 29, 2018.

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Comments

  • After the bill is passed, parliament will be dissolved. Any opposition party candidates who say anything about 1MDB except repeating government statement will be arrested. If there is any protest, security areas will be announced, and emergency rule might be called. This is speculation. Is speculation fake news?

    Posted 8 years ago by Meng Kow Loh · Reply