PUTRAJAYA – Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah has given an assurance that action taken under the Emergency (Essential Powers) Ordinance (No. 2) 2021 is only against those who spread fake news on Covid-19 and the emergency, and not for issuing criticism.
He said the ministry listens to the views and concerns of various parties, including the opposition bloc, non-governmental organisations and Malaysian Human Rights Commission, in relation to the ordinance.
“I would like to reiterate that this ordinance on fake news is not at all intended for politicians. If he (a politician) criticises me or the government in relation to matters involving vaccines or the ordinance, that criticism is different from fake news.
“We will make sure that the action taken is against fake news, not criticism.
“In matters of democracy, it is possible to criticise, but if it involves fake news, then no matter who spreads it, anyone can be hit (with action),” he told reporters after the launch of the book Respecting National Emblems and the ministry’s one-year report card here today.
He said the ordinance aims to protect the public from being deceived by fake news, and not shield the government from criticism.
He cited false claims that Chinese-made coronavirus vaccines contain illegal substances, and that jabs from other countries, too, are unsafe.
“We want to protect the people from being deceived by fake news.
“The question of wanting to criticise the government, me or the ministry is a matter of democracy (which is not what the ordinance addresses).”
On Kuala Langat MP Datuk Xavier Jayakumar’s departure from PKR last weekend, allegedly due to being pressured, Saifuddin said: “First, it has nothing to do with Covid-19. Second, it has nothing to do with the emergency. So, I will not take action.”
He said the former PKR vice-president’s decision to support Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as an independent should be respected. – Bernama, March 16, 2021
