Global

Singapore squares up to human rights group over 'fake news'

March 30, 2018 13:39·
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Najib Razak denies any wrongdoing

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Najib Razak denies any wrongdoing

A coalition of human rights and civic groups also has expressed concern that the government is rushing through the legislation, without consulting key stakeholders and releasing details in advance for public scrutiny.

An investigation by The Wall Street Journal and the Sarawak Report portal revealed some $700 million had been siphoned off the public investment fund 1Malaysia Development Berhard (1MDB) into the Prime Minister's personal account.

Najib, who denies any wrongdoing, has fired critics in his government and muzzled the media since the corruption scandal erupted three years ago.

Malaysia's National Human Rights Commission on Thursday had said it could not support the Anti-Fake News Bill, calling for a parliamentary committee to be set up to consider plausible measures to address fake news instead.

Khairy who was commenting on the Bill which had been tabled for the first reading at Dewan Rakyat on Monday, said it was aimed at curbing the dissemination of fake news or information.

The proposal also stipulated that the penalties will be imposed on individuals irrespective of their nationality, citizenship, or location when the fake news affects Malaysia or its citizens. The bill does not establish standards for determining what is false and does not distinguish between malicious falsehoods and simple errors on the part of a journalist or social media commentator.

Commuters use their mobile phones next to an advertisement discouraging the dissemination of fake news at a train station in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia

"If they disagree, does it mean the opposition is a factory for processing fake news?"

The bill places the burden on companies that host third-party content to make hard determinations of whether that content is true under conditions that encourage suppression of lawful speech.

The bill also fails to provide either judicial oversight or a judicial remedy should a cautious corporate decision interfere with a person's right to speak or access information.

The Rembau MP and Umno Youth chief said upon the enforcement of the Bill, individuals found spreading fake news on the internet including social media would face stern action. Failure to remove the material within the specified time could result in a criminal fine of RM100,000.

"(And) when the government cites national security and goes to the court and says this article must be taken down, (the Bill states) we can not file an application to reverse the order as a news organisation".

He added that the government should withdraw the bill immediately.

Bournemouth midfielder Lewis Cook nets grandfather betting windfall
Burlingham had in 2014 placed a £500 bet that his grandson Lewis Cook will earn a senior Three Lions cap before turning 26. As a grandfather you'd be over the moon to see your grandson make his global debut at the tender age of just 21.

Leicester target Hatem Ben Arfa announces he's leaving PSG
The 31-year-old trequartista's contract is due to expire in June, which means he'll be a free agent at the end of the season. Hatem Ben Arfa has confirmed he will bring an end to his tumultuous time at Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season.

Tearful Darren Lehmann quits Australia coach job, says 'abuse takes a toll'
If anyone thought there would be some normality on the day before the fourth and final Test between the Proteas and Australia at the Wanderers, think again.

Recommended News

Join The Conversation

We are pleased to provide this opportunity to share information, experiences and observations about what's in the news.
Some of the comments may be reprinted elsewhere in the site or in the newspaper.
Thank you for taking the time to offer your thoughts.