Azalina to meet Opposition MPs over fake news law

PENGERANG: Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said will meet with Opposition MPs next week over the Government’s proposed Anti-Fake News Bill.

The Minister in the Prime Minister's Department said she will meet with members of the Barisan Nasional Backbenchers Club next Monday (March 26) after the first reading. Then she will meet with the Opposition either on Tuesday or Wednesday.

“The Anti-Fake News Bill is meant for everyone and is not targeted at certain parties,” said Azalina, who is the de facto law minister.

Azalina, who is also the MP Pengerang, in south Johor, said the first reading of the Bill would take place next Monday.

“Our lawmakers, including those from the Opposition, should take the opportunity to debate on the Bill,” she told reporters, after presenting equipment to 65 fishermen from Kampung Pengerang and Kampung Sungai Musuh here on Friday (March 23).

She also urged the Opposition to “exercise maturity” and not feel intimidated by the proposed law.

“Why must you feel scared if you are not guilty and you are not involved in spreading fake news?” she said, adding that the proposed law is meant to be a preventive measure against the spread of unverified or fake news.