FMT - Dr M says committed to axing anti-fake news law:
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KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad today reiterated the government’s commitment to repealing the anti-fake news law
“We don’t have any desire to continue with the fake news law.
“We have to study it and other laws related to freedom of speech,” he said.
Mahathir previously said “proper” definitions would be provide so that media and the public are clear about what constitutes fake news.
This led to civil society group, Lawyers for Liberty, urging Mahathir to repeal the act rather than amend it, saying the legislation passed by the Najib Razak administration was beyond salvaging.
Critics of the anti-fake news law, which was passed in April, say existing laws are sufficient to handle fake news.
“We don’t have any desire to continue with the fake news law.
“We have to study it and other laws related to freedom of speech,” he said.
Mahathir previously said “proper” definitions would be provide so that media and the public are clear about what constitutes fake news.
This led to civil society group, Lawyers for Liberty, urging Mahathir to repeal the act rather than amend it, saying the legislation passed by the Najib Razak administration was beyond salvaging.
Critics of the anti-fake news law, which was passed in April, say existing laws are sufficient to handle fake news.
Sensing the revulsion Malaysians have for the law, and it probable misuse by authorities, Mahathir has now backed down from his original intention to 'tweak' the law by 'defining' what is 'fake news'. He has also said:
I need to understand this law in order to end it. There is no intention to retain it but we have to study laws that bind the press and freedom of speech. All this will be done.
I need to understand this law in order to end it. There is no intention to retain it but we have to study laws that bind the press and freedom of speech. All this will be done.
What is there to study? Just get rid of it.
And also 'tweaking' the law only means that very law still exists, and will be a clear & present danger to everyone.
And also 'tweaking' the law only means that very law still exists, and will be a clear & present danger to everyone.