Prime Minister Najib Razak’s government secured a simple majority in parliament to pass the Anti-Fake News 2018 bill, which sets out fines of up to 500,000 ringgit ($123,000) and a maximum six years in jail.
The law defines fake news as “news, information, data and reports which is or are entirely or partly false” and includes features, visuals and audio recordings. It covers digital publications and social media, as well.
The new law will apply to offenders who maliciously spread “fake news” inside and outside Malaysia, including foreigners, if Malaysia or a Malaysian citizen were affected.
According to Reuters, the first draft of the bill had proposed jail of up to 10 years.
Law Minister Azalina Othman Said told parliament: “This law aims to protect the public from the spread of fake news, while allowing freedom of speech as provided for under the constitution.”
The UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression, David Kaye, had earlier on Monday urged the government not to rush the legislation through parliament. He said in a Twitter post: “I urge the government to reconsider the bill and open it up to regular and genuine public scrutiny before taking any further steps.”
News reports and social media posts on a multi-billion dollar scandal at state fund Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) have hounded Prime Minister Najib, who faces arguably his toughest contest in a general election this year that could be called in days. Najib has denied any wrongdoing in connection with losses at the fund.
