Two Amendments Will Be Made To The Government's Proposed Anti-Fake News Bill
Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said announced this to Parliament during the bill's second reading yesterday.
By Katrina Khairul Azman — 30 Mar 2018, 03:52 PM
In response to criticism of the Anti-Fake News Bill 2018, de facto law minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said told MPs in Parliament that two changes will be made
Azalina explained on her Facebook page that, "The amendments were made after considering the views from a few parties, including parliamentarians".
"This shows that the government is attentive and ready to receive all opinions and suggestions to make the bill inclusive and comprehensive".
The first amendment will be made to the bill’s maximum jail term, reducing it from 10 years to six
When Parliament first tabled the proposed Bill, the maximum punishment upon conviction was RM500,000, a 10-year jail sentence, or both.
The maximum fine of RM500,000 will be maintained.
Meanwhile, the word "knowingly" in Clause 4 has been amended to "maliciously" after many argued that the initial wording was too vague and difficult to define
The clause 4(1) previously read that, "Any person who, by any means, knowingly creates, offers, publishes, prints, distributes, circulates or disseminates any fake news or publication containing fake news commits an offence and shall, on conviction, be liable".
It was decided in Parliament that the debate on the bill will continue next Monday, 2 April
According to Straits Times, the proposed bill is expected to pass with little difficulty as it needs only a simple majority of the 222-member House, and ruling coalition Barisan Nasional has 131 MPs.