First reading of anti-fake news bill next week, says Azalina
KUALA LUMPUR: The Anti-fake news bill, presented and approved by the cabinet yesterday, is set for its first reading in the Dewan Rakyat next week, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.
She said the draft bill, which sought to stop fake news that might threaten the country’s political stability and undermine public order and national security, was given the go-ahead by the cabinet yesterday.
“A briefing session on the matter with Barisan Nasional and opposition members of parliament will be held soon,” said Azalina, who is the de facto law minister.
She said the formulation of the draft bill would address the creation and spread of fake news.
“This is being done with the interest of the public in mind, to protect people from falling victim to fake news.
“However, this legislation will in no way restrict the people’s freedom of speech, as enshrined in the Federal Constitution,” she said.
She said the govern- ment hoped that all parties would accept the move in good faith and not polemicise the issue any further.
“At the same time, the bill will send out a clear message that the government will not compromise on anything that can jeopardise the country’s peace and security.”
Deputy Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Jailani Johari said the draft was undergoing a refining process, which included reviewing feedback from non-governmental organisations.
“We are looking into the views of stakeholders, including the Bar Council, Human Rights Commission of Malaysia, as well as National Union of Journalists before tabling the bill,” he said in Parliament yesterday.
“Further information will be shared by the Pengerang member of parliament (Azalina).”
On Jan 30, a special committee was set up to study a new law to stop the spread of fake news that might threaten the political stability of the country, as well as undermine public order and national security.
The committee had its first meeting in January, which was also joined by representatives from the police, Attorney-General’s Chambers, National Security Council, Communications and Multimedia Commission, Communications and Multimedia Ministry and Legal Affairs Division.
Malaysia uses several acts, such as Section 8A of the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984.
Earlier, Jailani told the house that the Special Cyber Crimes Committee, which was formed on Nov 20, had investigated 154 cases, with 16 taken to court.
“Action has been taken by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission against 4,358 fake social media accounts, with 80 per cent of them deleted.
“Access to 48 websites spreading fake news has been blocked.”