Malaysia passes Bill to curb fake news

The ruling administration of Malaysia said freedom of speech will not be curtailed and what constitutes fake news will be determined by the courts. PHOTO: THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK

Malaysia yesterday passed a Bill to curb the spread of fake news, amid criticism that it was rushed through Parliament to stifle dissent in the upcoming general election expected within weeks.

The ruling administration, which secured a simple majority for the Bill to pass, said freedom of speech will not be curtailed and what constitutes fake news will be determined by the courts. Opposition MPs have said that the law criminalises negative news on the government.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on April 03, 2018, with the headline Malaysia passes Bill to curb fake news. Subscribe