The Malaysian government has proposed a new law to combat "fake news", which could see offenders jailed for ten years. It has led to concerns that the authorities are aiming to stifle criticism as elections loom. Governments in several countries, emboldened by US President Donald Trump's fulminations against "fake news", are considering such legislation. However, rights groups warn that authoritarian regimes are likely to use the new laws to crack down on dissent.
Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has already been targeting critics in politics and the media who have attacked him over allegations huge sums were stolen from sovereign wealth fund 1MDB. Mr Najib and the fund deny any wrongdoing. The proposed law, which was introduced in parliament this morning, fuelled fears the government is seeking to intensify a crackdown before elections, which must be called by August but are widely expected sooner.
Opposition MP Charles Santiago said the bill was "a powerful weapon for the government to silence dissent in the country".
"It is timed for the elections and to silence discussions on 1MDB," he said.
The proposed law said fake news was becoming a "global concern" and the new legislation was aimed at safeguarding the public, as well as ensuring the right to freedom of expression. It defines fake news as "news, information, data or reports which is or are wholly or partly false" and includes features, visuals and audio recordings.
Any person found guilty of creating or disseminating what authorities deem to be fake news can be punished with a maximum ten years in jail or a fine of up to 500,000 ringgit (€120,000). The bill also allows for anyone who breaks the law outside the country with what authorities deem to be "fake news" concerning Malaysia to face punishment in Malaysia.
Despite the concerns, cabinet minister Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar insisted the law "will not be abused", adding: "It is not aimed at silencing critics."
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