Anti Fake News Bill is necessary: Hishammuddin

KUALA LUMPUR: The heavy penalty proposed under the Anti-Fake News Bill is necessary to deter people from spreading false information that could be detrimental to the nation's security, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said.
"If the punishment is not very helpful to reduce the number of fake news here, then we will forever be tied. What's important now is fake news is a real threat," he told a press conference yesterday.
When pressed if he felt the 10-year prison proposal was too much, he said: "We won't know until it has been implemented. But I hope it will be enough to be a deterrent to the people."
Hishammuddin recalled how during the disappearance of MH370 in March 2014, numerous fake news based on speculations made the round, adding that the nature of the country's diversity makes the issue of security even more complex.
"It (fake news) can definitely affect our nation's security, especially if it touches on emotions, coupled with issues of race and religion.
"This has already occurred in certain countries, and at that time, however heavy the punishment was, it would have been too late," he said.
Prof James Chin, the Inaugural Director of the Asia Institute Tasmania, University of Tasmania, claimed the law is targeted at the opposition and its supporters.
"It is being rushed due to the General Election that is coming up soon," he said, adding a 10-year jail term is very long.
"The law also in a general way states that social media users can also be charged under this law if the fake news they post ends up going viral."
Merdeka Centre executive director, Ibrahim Suffian said at this point, this law when put into full use "will dampen public discussion of issues and sharing of information".
However, he added it is uncertain whether it will curb sensational news from still going viral as the speed of transmission is pretty rapid these days.
"I suppose the authorities will have to put in the necessary resources to enforce it. If it is perceived to be one-sided, it may have long-term detrimental consequences," he told theSun.
Meanwhile, Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram) is gravely concerned with the introduction of the bill which threatens to further curtail freedom of expression and allow the government to establish 'truths' and reject legitimate news and criticism.
"The Bill itself carries worrying provisions and unduly broad definition for fake news which is open to abuse by state authorities," said Sevan Doraisamy, the executive director of Suaram.
On top of the harsh punishment of RM500,000 fine or 10-years imprisonment, the Bill also puts a burden on all other individuals and organization to take action on behest of the government or individual claiming 'fake news'.
Individuals and organizations who have provided financial assistance to a third party who is allegedly creating 'fake news' would also be subjected to a similarly harsh punishment, he added.