KUALA LUMPUR – Transparency International Malaysia (TI-M) has called on the government to do more in ensuring there is freedom to information and the media is given freedom to report public interest issues without fear.
Its president Muhammad Mohan said while TI-M appreciates the government’s concern regarding the proliferation of fake news, especially ones related to Covid-19, and recognises the need to curb this menace, there is already a plethora of laws to deal with such misconduct.
“If anything, based on our current environment and recent events, the feeling is that there is a propensity to silence and persecute those who speak the truth and whistle-blow on wrongdoers.
“We are concerned that the proposed fake news law could be abused or misused at the expense of freedom of speech as enshrined in our constitution.”
Mohan said the government should seriously look into drafting up the freedom of information act to replace the Official Secrets Act 1972.
“The process should be done through public engagement and consultation. Freedom to access information and ensuring media freedom are essential elements for a thriving democracy.”
He said the yearly Corruption Perception Index (CPI) report takes into consideration not only corruption, but also human rights abuse, transparency in the administration, freedom of information, as well as effective prosecution of corrupt officials and other factors.
“We need to do more if we want to improve our score in the CPI to be among the world’s best.”
TI-M is among several parties who have expressed concerns following the enforcement of the Emergency (Essential Powers) (No.2) Ordinance 2021 that took effect yesterday.
However, Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah has assured that the ordinance is a short-term remedy to curb the spread of fake news on the pandemic and the proclamation of emergency to ensure public order and safety.
The ordinance provides a fine of not more than RM100,000 or a jail term not exceeding three years, or both, upon conviction, and in the case of a continuing offence, to a further fine not exceeding RM1,000 for every day during which the offence continues after conviction.
The ordinance also defines fake news as including any news, information, data and reports, which is or are wholly or partly false relating to Covid-19 or the emergency proclamation, whether in the form of features, visuals or audio recordings or in any other form capable of suggesting words. – The Vibes, March 13, 2021
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