PARLIAMENT | The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V has expressed support for the government's intention to formulate a law to curb the dissemination of fake news on social media.
His Majesty said this during the opening of the first meeting of the sixth term of the 13th Parliament.
Apart from a new law to curb fake news, the session is also expected to see the passing of the Election Commission's re-delineation proposal, which the opposition has opposed.
The Agong in his speech noted how social media had a "significant influence" in shaping a particular society's values and culture.
"All parties should play their role in safeguarding good character and moral values within society.
"Hence, I fully support the proposal to formulate laws to address the spread of fake news and slander on social media," he said.
Putrajaya has formed a special committee to formulate the law to tackle “fake news”.
This in addition to a comprehensive set of laws regulating the dissemination of information, including Section 500 of the Penal Code, Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act, the Sedition Act as well as the Printing Press and Publications Act, among others.
Critics have voiced concerned that the newest legislation may be used to clamp down on legitimate dissent in the run-up to the coming general election.
The Agong also expressed concern on threats to the country's peace and security, which he said are "real and manifest in various forms".
"I urge the government to continue to be vigilant, especially in enforcing cyberspace security, enhancing intelligence capabilities, increasing the patrolling of borders and waters as well as combating human trafficking.
"I also hope that no quarter will politicise or trivialise national security," he added.
Good economics
The Agong also said he was thankful that despite uncertainties in the global economy, the government has remained focused and committed to the implementation of fiscal transformation policies as well as prudent management of the country's economy.
"The government's financial position is expected to be stronger, contributed by higher revenue, moderate growth in expenditure and gradual reduction in fiscal deficit.
"International reserves have remained strong while the federal government's debt is under control and manageable."
Malaysia's external trade is also expected to be resilient, in tandem with increasing global trading activities, His Majesty added. -Mkini
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