Anti-Fake News Bill passed during policy stage

KUALA LUMPUR: The Anti-Fake News Bill 2018 was passed during the policy stage at the Dewan Rakyat on Monday (April 2) after a bloc vote.

The Bill saw 123 voted for and 64 voted against after the bloc vote was called by G. Manivannan (PKR-Kapar).

The Bill saw heated debates since last Thursday (March 29) when it was read for a second reading by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.

Azalina in her ministerial reply on Monday insisted that the Bill was not draconian as alleged by some parties, adding that it was an opportunity for victims of fake news to have justice.

She also denied that the Bill would only benefit the Government, adding that the powers to determine what constitute fake news lies in the courts.

The debates would resume for the committee stage and is expected to be passed later on Monday.

Two changes would be made to clauses four and five of the Anti-Fake News Bill.

There is a proposal to change the word "knowingly" in clause four to "maliciously", while the originally proposed 10-year jail term will be reduced to six years.