The New Straits Times-Aug 8
A motion to repeal the Anti-Fake News Act 2018 which was gazetted in April 11 by the Barisan Nasional government was tabled in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk Liew Vui Keong tabled the first reading of the motion to repeal the act in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Following the change of government after the 14th General Election, the motion seeks to abolish the law which has designated as Act 803.
The motion states that fake news could be dealt with under existing laws such as the Penal Code, the Printing Press and Publications Act 1984 as well as the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
The repealing of the law does not affect any order made under the act before the date of the act’s gazettement
The Act defines ‘incorrect news’ including any news, information, data and reports that are part or entirely false, whether in the form of plans, visuals or audio recordings or in any other form which may be reflected in words or ideas.
Under Section 4 of of the act, it states that it is an offence to hold, offer, publish, and otherwise, incorrect news or publications containing untrue news.
If convicted under this section, the accused can be fined not more than RM500,000 or jailed no more than six years or both.
