‘Fake news’ cannot be resolved with a legislative sledgehammer

IN the wake of the recent “riot” in Malaysia surrounding the Sri Maha Mariamman temple in Subang Jaya, Selangor, as well as the controversy about whether the government should ratify the international convention against racial discrimination, ICERD, the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) noted an increase in inflammatory social media posts, including “fake news” or exaggerated or blatantly false information. Moreover, political opposition to the government continues to exploit racial and religious sentiments to pit Malays against non-Malays, Muslims against non-Muslims, and polarise everyone further.

In this toxic environment, the government has once again turned towards section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (CMA) to target those behind false or inflammatory statements. Some commentators have even wondered if the government’s commitment to repeal the Sedition Act 1948 was too hasty.