KUALA LUMPUR: Election Commission chief Datuk Azhar Azizan Harun (pic) says he may have been a victim of fake news himself, but he would rather explain the truth to people than file police reports or sue people.
Saying that he was often been targeted by fake news disseminators on social media during the Tanjung Piai by-election on Nov 16, he added that was more into “educating” although it is more difficult than hauling up the alleged perpetrators to face the law.
He also stated that handling fake news does not need new laws if the people are educated, as the existing laws are sufficient to curb such crimes.
“On fake news that is widely spread affecting the harmony of the society, we have the Malaysia Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) Act dealing with the same thing.
“I have also been a fake news victim and there is a picture of me wearing the PKR badge which was before I was elected.
“There was also a video of me with Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir at the ‘Nothing to Hide’ event two years ago.
“I am the type who does not like to make police reports or sue others as I prefer to deal with fake news through explanations, although it is more difficult to do the latter, ” said Azhar, popularly known as Art Harun.
He was speaking to the media at the Commonwealth Election Professionals Initiative Asia Training Programme, co-partnered and hosted by the EC, held here on Monday (Nov 25).
The five-day programme features international experts discussing issues such as promoting sustainable electoral democracy, voter registration, and gender equity in elections. - Star
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