KUALA LUMPUR: The Anti-Fake News Act officially gazetted in April will be repealed, newly-installed Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo said today.
He said the proposal to repeal the act would be brought to Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad so that it could be done as soon as possible.
“I have a list that we need to study. I will hold a press conference tomorrow to inform (everyone) specifically. We have an Anti-Fake News Act. As mentioned in the Pakatan Harapan manifesto, we will repeal it.
“We will set the time frame, the first 100 days we have to deliver but how much time is required I will discuss with my officials tomorrow. Indeed, I will do it and start work tomorrow at 8.30am sharp,” he said.
Gobind said this to reporters after taking his oath of office, loyalty and secrecy together with 12 other Cabinet ministers before Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V at Istana Negara.
As the new minister for Communications and Multimedia, 45-year-old Gobind said media freedom was his main agenda and he was committed in that regard, which is one of the things mentioned in the Pakatan Harapan manifesto.
But, he said the matter should be made with reference based on existing laws.
“Media freedom is my priority. The media churning out news and publishing companies are bound by the existing laws so we have to look at it that way and we have to find ways to improve the freedom of press in the country. And I am committed to doing so.
“I will create a group of legal experts so that they can see the impact of the law so far, where there are shortcomings, we will try to improve,” he said.
Among other things that will be reviewed include several laws related to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) which relates to complaints and investigations into several reported cases.
He said he would also give serious attention to the entire aspect of news reporting and find a way for local television networks to rival international media.
Gobind said local media needed to learn from international media for better knowledge of news presentation. - Bernama