Repealed Anti-Fake News Act to return?

KUALA LUMPUR – The repealed Anti-Fake News Act could see a comeback as Jerai MP Sabri Azit of PAS has filed a motion urging the government to reintroduce the controversial piece of legislation.

The Act, repealed last year by the previous Pakatan Harapan (PH) government, is listed as item six in the Dewan Rakyat order paper.

For it to even have a chance to be reintroduced, it depends if Sabri’s motion will be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat – with government bills taking priority and the order paper subject to change – and if the House passes the motion. 

Even if Sabri’s motion is passed, it is unlikely that a Bill for Act’s reintroduction will be tabled in the same sitting, as the government may need to go back to the drawing board. 

According to his motion, Sabri is urging the government to review the need to reintroduce the Anti-Fake News Act to tackle the rampant dissemination of fake news and slander in the country. 

“Such distribution of fake news will threaten the country’s security and stability, and can result in an unpeaceful atmosphere in our plural society. 

“Awareness campaigns to fight fake news should also be increased so the people are more aware and will check on the authenticity of a piece of news before sharing it,” the motion read. 

The Anti-Fake News Act was introduced by the Barisan Nasional (BN) government led by former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak in April 2018, weeks before the country went to polls for the 14th general election. 

Four months later, following PH’s election victory, the coalition immediately tabled and passed the Bill to repeal the Act as part of its election promise. 

However, it hit a roadblock in the Dewan Negara as the then opposition-controlled senate rejected the government’s attempt to repeal the Act. 

After a cooling-off period of one year, as per parliamentary rules, the Bill was again tabled, this time, it passed in Houses and was officially repealed last December. 

The Act has been the subject of much criticism, with many arguing that the law was aimed at curbing dissent against the government and an attempt to curtail freedom of speech. 

It carried a maximum jail term of six years and a fine of up to RM500,000, if found guilty of spreading fake news. – The Vibes, October 29, 2020