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Malaysians wary of fake news law

An advertisement with the slogan "sharing a lie makes you a liar" at a train station in downtown Kuala Lumpur on March 26, 2018. PHOTO: AFP
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Malaysia's proposed anti-fake news law has been received with widespread scepticism, despite the government's repeated assurances that the law will not be used to stifle dissent.

Malaysians are fully aware of the dangers of fake news. But they are also worried about giving the government yet more powers to curb criticism on issues of the day - especially on the eve of a general election.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on March 29, 2018, with the headline Malaysians wary of fake news law. Subscribe