The Anti-Fake News Bill 2018 was passed with two amendments during the committee stage at the Dewan Rakyat today.
The two amendments were replacing the word ‘knowingly’ with ‘maliciously’ in clause four and reducing the punishment in clause five from the maximum 10 years’ jail to six years.
The controversial Bill was passed without any bloc voting.
Earlier during the policy stage, a bloc voting was called by the Opposition but saw 123 voting for the Bill with 64 against it.
It is understood that 10 Pas MPs, along with independent Bandar Tun Razak MP Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim, voted in favour of the Bill.
According to Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, the Bill was to safeguard everyone, ensure public order and national security.
She added that briefings on the Bill were conducted to both Barisan Nasional and Opposition MPs prior to the debate.
She said, based on her observation during the debates, there were 12 main issues outlined by the MPs.
“These included claims that the Bill was meant to restrict freedom of speech; that the government is rushing to introduce the law; that the Bill is draconian and meant to prepare for the general election; redundancy of law; fake news definition; draconian punishment; who defines fake news and selective prosecution,” she said.
The Bill will be now be brought to the Dewan Negara, which is sitting concurrently, to be debated before it can be gazetted as law.
Once passed, it will be sent to the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong for the Royal Assent.
Earlier reports:
Mar 30, Anti-Fake News Bill: Max Jail Time from 10 to 6 Years
Mar 29, Calls Not to Pass Anti-Fake News Law in Haste
Mar 27, Strong Reactions to Anti-Fake News Bill
Mar 26, Anti-Fake News Bill Tabled, Seeks High Punishment for Offenders