Agong endorses proposed anti-fake news law (Updated)

KUALA LUMPUR: The King has endorsed the proposal to enact anti-fake news laws to curb the spread of slanderous and defamatory information on social media.
Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V said this is because social media has a significant influence in shaping the values and culture of society.
"All parties should play their role in safeguarding good character and moral values within the society.
"Hence, I fully support the proposal to formulate laws to address the spread of fake news and slander on social media," the King said in his royal address in Parliament today.
In addition to this statement, Sultan Muhammad also expressed his concerns about the threats to peace and security in the country.
"I urge the government to continue to be vigilant especially in enforcing cyberspace security, enhancing intelligence capabilities, increasing the patrol of borders and waters, as well as combating human trafficking.
"No one should politicise or trivialise the issue of national security," he said.
Sultan Muhammad also reminded Malaysians of the values of moderation in order to curb the threats of extremism and radicalisation.
"Unity is the essence of peace, well-being of the people and stability of the nation. Therefore, I hope that appreciation of the nation's historical legacy and mastery of the national language will be strengthened as the basis of the Malaysian identity," he said.
With Malaysia remaining a preferred investment destination, Sultan Muhammad said the nation is expected to attract higher investments this year.
"I hope that this positive momentum will be sustained," he said when officiating the first meeting of the sixth session of the 13th Parliament sitting.
Meanwhile, Minister in Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said fake news needs to be clearly defined, but it would not be easy to measure the offences online without anti-fake news laws.
Azalina said existing laws for defamation, libel or slander do not cover the spread of fake news on social media.
"When you see fake news it goes on big variables. One thing is quite clear – the real definition of fake news does not exist in all current laws. We have false news but we don't have fake news. So it is a very different interpretation.
"We have to allow the relevant agencies to discuss this. I think it depends a lot on the approach of the new law," she added.
The government announced in January that a special committee had been formed to look into laws to curb fake news that threatens political stability and public order.