Call to expedite introduction of laws to curb fake news

KOTA BHARU: The proposed introduction of new laws to curb fake news on social media needs to be expedited, said Umno Information Technology (IT) and Social Media Bureau chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan.

He said this was because the propagation of fake news had been rampant of late, especially with the 14th general election (GE14) around the corner.

“If possible, let’s have the proposed laws tabled at Parliament this March, for the public’s sake,” he told reporters after meeting with Ketereh Umno IT Bureau Committee members here yesterday.

Also present were Ketereh Umno chief Tan Sri Annuar Musa, who is also Ketereh MP, and Kok Lanas assemblyman Datuk Md Alwi Che Ahmad.

Ahmad said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s proposal to introduce laws to curb the propagation of fake news was an apt move to tackle the issue.

Last Sunday, the prime minister announced that the government was looking into introducing laws to curb fake news which is a threat to political stability and public order.

Following that, a special committee was formed, comprising representatives from the Royal Malaysia Police, Attorney-General’s Chambers, National Security Council, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission and non-governmental organisations, to study relevant laws and possible amendments to be brought to Parliament. Ahmad said, at present, 43 million Malaysian citizens each has a mobile phone and 18 million have Facebook accounts.

Meanwhile, Annuar, who is also Umno Information chief, said those who did not support the proposed new laws to curb fake news were those who supported the propagation of such news in the cyber world.

He said the laws need to be introduced to control the current situation in social media, and as the basis for managing the administration of a country.

“We know the opposition will never agree to any of our proposal because they are afraid that they cannot use the method as their last resort before the election,” he added.