Anti-Fake News Act to be repealed: Gobind

KUALA LUMPUR: The Anti-Fake News Act gazetted in April will be abolished, said Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo yesterday.

He said the proposal to abolish the Act will be brought to Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad as soon as possible.

“As mentioned in the Pakatan Harapan manifesto, we will repeal it. We will set a time frame, but how much time is required, I will discuss it with my officials. I will do it and start work (today),” he said after taking his oath of office at Istana Negara yesterday.

Gobind, 45, said media freedom is his main agenda, but added that the matter should be addressed based on laws.

“The media and publishing companies are bound by laws so we have to look at it that way and we have to find ways to improve freedom of the press in the country.

“I will create a group of legal experts so that they can see the impact of the law so far. Where there are shortcomings, we will try to improve it,” he said.

Other issues to be reviewed include laws related to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission relating to complaints and investigations into several reported cases.

The Puchong MP said he would also give serious attention to news reporting and identify local television firms can compete with international agencies.

He said local media organisations should learn from international firms for a more knowledge-based news delivery. – Bernama