Dr M: Malaysia stands firm over repeal of Anti-Fake News Act


  • Nation
  • Tuesday, 09 Apr 2019

The revised East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) will see Malaysian contractors having a 40% participation in the RM44bil project, says Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia will stick by its decision to repeal the Anti-Fake News Act and will not follow its neighbour Singapore in its bid to tackle "online falsehoods".
 
While acknowledging that fake news can be damaging, Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said the onus is on the country and its people to manage the spread of such material.
 
"We made a promise to the people that we would do away with the Anti-Fake News law. That is what the people wanted and we respect the people who voted us into power.
 
"We understand how social media can be abused. For us, that means we have to learn how to handle fake news," said Dr Mahathir in a question-and-answer session during a joint press conference with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong here Tuesday (April 9).
 
The press conference was held following Lee's visit to Putrajaya as part of the Malaysia-Singapore Leaders' Annual Retreat.
 
Both leaders were asked for their comments on Singapore's proposed Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Bill (Pofma).
 
Dr Mahathir added that having such a law would open it for abuse by the government.
 
"When you have a law to prevent people from airing views, then we are afraid that the government itself may abuse it, as has happened in the past.
 
"We do not want any government, whether this or the next one, to abuse such law.
 
"It (fake news) may be difficult to handle, but we can accept the challenge and will handle it," said Dr Mahathir.
 
Lee defended his government's decision to introduce the Bill, despite criticisms from groups such as Reporters Without Borders.
 
"It is not just Singapore who is legislating this. France and Germany have done it. Australia introduced something similar and very draconian. Singapore has had to do it, and we have we have deliberated it for almost two years.
 
"I am not surprised Reporters Without Borders have criticised it, as they have criticised many things about Singapore's media management.
 
"But what we have done has worked in Singapore, and it is our objective to continue to do things which will work for Singapore," said Lee.
 
The Anti-Fake News Act was passed in April during the previous administration.
 
The present Pakatan Harapan government then pushed for a repeal for the Act in Parliament.
 
Although the repeal was passed in the Dewan Rakyat, it was rejected by the Dewan Negara in September.
 

Save 30% and win Bosch appliances! More Info

Monthly Plan

RM13.90/month
RM9.73 only

Billed as RM9.73 for the 1st month then RM13.90 thereafters.

Annual Plan

RM12.33/month
RM8.63/month

Billed as RM103.60 for the 1st year then RM148 thereafters.

1 month

Free Trial

For new subscribers only


Cancel anytime. No ads. Auto-renewal. Unlimited access to the web and app. Personalised features. Members rewards.
Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Nation

MPs must manage their finances carefully, even as they are paid well above the average Malaysian
Bangladeshi men arrested for illegal sim-card selling racket at KLIA
E-hailing driver loses over RM147,000 to social media investment scam
Malaysia has invited Trump to East Asia Summit, says Anwar
Manchester United announce plans for new 100,000-seat stadium
Sarawak Energy working to ensure stable power supply over holidays
MACC: Two held in interactive smart board probe released on bail
Siti Nurhaliza chuffed to be on King Charles' playlist
Two motorcyclist injured after car runs red light in Seremban
Reformed MM2H programme boosts economy with nearly RM1bil annual investments, says IQI

Others Also Read