Rejecting repeal a sign of reform, says lawyer

PUTRAJAYA: Although a minister has described the senators’ refusal to abolish the Anti-Fake News Act as a “stab in the back”, a constitutional lawyer is taking this as a sign of reform.

Lawyer Syahredzan Johan said this proved that at least the Senate was no longer a rubber stamp for the Executive.

“Although ultimately, these Acts can be passed without Senate approval, the process will take at least a year.

“We can view this negatively. But in many ways, it is also good for our institutions,” Syahredzan said on Facebook.

Earlier, Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Abdul Rahman had described Dewan Negara’s rejection as a “stab in the government’s back”.

Syed Saddiq, who was ironically launching a debate series with a topic on the Anti Fake News Act, said this issue proved to be timely.

“The debate on whether the Anti-Fake News Act should be repealed is somewhat timely as the Senate has somewhat backstabbed us,” he told reporters.

Syed Saddiq, who opposed the law, said the question of whether such a controversial law should be allowed was an issue affecting all Malaysians.

“This is a very pertinent issue as it talks about the freedom of expression and freedom of the media to report despite the fact that it may be controversial,” he said.