Malaysia finally scraps Anti-Fake News Act

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia has repealed the Anti-Fake News Act following the Senate’s approval today.

This was Pakatan Harapan’s second attempt at abolishing the controversial law criminalising “fake news”, introduced by the Barisan Nasional administration just before last year’s 14th general election in May.

Under the law, those found guilty of spreading what authorities consider to be “fake news” could face up to six years in jail and fines of up to RM500,000.

The Dewan Negara has finally approved the repeal of the Anti-Fake News Act, according to Bernama Radio.

The Dewan Rakyat passed the bill to repeal the act in August 2018 but it was rejected by the Dewan Negara late last year.

The bill to repeal the act was tabled again this October after a cooling-off period of one year under Article 68 of the Federal Constitution.

After two days of debate, the bill was passed on Oct 9 when 92 MPs voted for the law to be abolished while 51 were against it.

The bill was then tabled in the Dewan Negara. It will now be presented to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah for assent. - FMT