KOTA TINGGI: Three legal provisions face those who defame, as well as publish and share fake news, says Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.
The Anti-Fake News Bill, she said, was formulated to safeguard the interest of all parties, and not just the government’s.
She also confirmed that to date, a police probe on a piece of fake news which had defamed Tunku Mahkota Johor, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, was the first to be probed under the new Act.
“Once the investigation is concluded, the case can be brought to the Sessions Court, and it involves the police.
“This Act also covers individuals who believe that they have been defamed on social media, the victim can lodge a police report.
“Apart from the Anti-Fake News Act, the authorities can also take action under the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984, as well as the Communications and Multimedia Act,” she said.
She was speaking to the press after officiating the Pengerang-level ‘Zero-Debt’ cheque presentation event for Felda settlers at Dewan Felda Air Tawar 5, on Saturday.
Azalina, who is also the incumbent for the Pengerang parliamentary constituency, said it is up to the Deputy Public Prosecutor whether the case will be prosecuted on the three Acts or otherwise.
What is most important, she said, is that the authorities establish the source of the fake news before taking any action. Police, she said, will also question the motive behind the person sharing the (fake news) status.
“As we are all aware, the law is not for the government, but for all sections of society.
“I am also certain that in the 14th General Election, much more (fake news) may come out involving both sides (of the political divide).”
NSTP had on Friday reported that Pontian and Kluang police said they would work with the Malaysian Communications And Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to track down those responsible for spreading the rumour that Tunku Ismail would be treating shoppers at the Econsave Pontian and Kuang Aeon Big to a shopping spree.
The rumour came about after Tunku Ismail had spent RM1 million on shoppers at the Aeon Tebrau, last Wednesday.