COMMUNICATIONS and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo has pledged to have the Anti-Fake News Act repealed.

On his first day at work, Gobind said he would uphold the freedoms of speech and the press, starting with the repeal of the oppressive law.

“We are going to look at the Anti-Fake News Act. We have said so in our manifesto.

“We will repeal. I will be proposing to the prime minister in the cabinet meeting that is what we should do,” Gobind said in a press conference.

Malaysia is one of the few countries in the world with a law against fake news.

Under the law, offenders can be fined up to RM500,000 ringgit or jailed for up to six years.

Gobind, who is also Puchong MP, said he would recommend that a council be set up to listen to the members of the media.

“Reporters are free to write and criticism is welcomed. There is a need for greater press freedom.”

The lawyer said ministry would also be looking to amend several laws including the Printing and Publications Act and the Communication laws.

“There will also be changes at the MCMC (Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission). But I will not go into details now. Give me a few days, I’m going to the MCMC to speak to them.” – May 22, 2018.