After voting with BN, PAS assures just use of anti-fake news law

PAS' Kuala Nerus MP Mohd Khairuddin Aman Razali assured that the Anti-Fake News Bill, when it becomes law, will be implemented in a just manner.

This was after all 11 PAS MPs who were present during the second reading of the bill voted in favour of the legislation.

"PAS is confident that it will win in the 14th general election. PAS guarantees this Act will be implemented in transparent and just manner.

"Any Act that is good can become better if it is managed well by a good administrator," he said in a statement shortly after the vote.

PAS' Marang MP Abdul Hadi Awang and Temerloh MP Nasrudin Hassan were absent during the vote.

Khairuddin lamented that "fake news" had become a staple for Malaysians, saying that many have become victims of slander, including PAS.

"If in the past, the government-controlled mainstream media targeted PAS with slander, today, it is social media and online media that are used to create slander against PAS.

"The time has come for a stiffer punishment and a more efficient justice mechanism to be introduced through (this) new Act that is more efficient and fair," he said.

The Anti-Fake News Bill provides up to six years’ imprisonment and RM500,000 fine for the publication of "fake news."

The Bill also includes provisions to allow for the application of a court order, on an ex-parte basis, for the removal of materials deemed to be "fake news." Failure to comply will result in a maximum fine of RM100,000.

Although there are provisions to challenge this order in court, Section 8(3) of the bill states that no appeal can be made if the government obtains the order on the grounds of national security.

The bill passed the second reading today with 123 votes in favour and 64 votes against. - Mkini