KUALA LUMPUR, May 14 — The Anti-Fake News Act 2018 must be repealed as one of the pledges Pakatan Harapan made to Malaysians before taking over Putrajaya, PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar said today.
She was commenting on Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s announcement yesterday on the government’s plan to properly define the Act so that everyone would be clear on what news is factual and otherwise.
“The anti-fake news law, which is thoroughly draconian in nature, should be repealed.
“I am committed to actual repeal. Because we are bound to our promises to the rakyat,” Nurul Izzah told Malay Mail when contacted.
Yesterday, Dr Mahathir said that the government will not obstruct media organisations as long as they report with basis.
The prime minister’s lack of clear pledge to abolish the Act has been criticised by some of the public, especially proponents of free speech.
The Act came into effect on April 11, was tabled in the now dissolved Dewan Rakyat in March which was followed by heated debate.
It was later voted through by members of parliament following a bloc vote, with 123 voting for and 64 against.
