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The controversial Anti Fake News Bill has been passed in the Dewan Rakyat with just 2 amendments.

Apr 03, 2018

The controversial Anti Fake News Bill has been passed in the Dewan Rakyat with just 2 amendments.

The jail term was lowered from 10 to 6 years for maliciously spreading fake news, but the half a million ringgit fine was maintained.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said has assured the bill is impartial as the govt has no hand in determining the offences.

But human rights groups are still alarmed by how quickly the bill was passed. 

They felt there was not enough debate and are worried the bill will jeopardise freedom of speech.

The Institite of Journalists Malaysia are on the same page and told The Star it's worried certain parties may abuse the law to bury stories they don't like, or force journalists to reveal their private sources of information.

Image:https://bit.ly/2IWYtpY