Dr Mahathir Mohamad today said the government will first study whether to repeal the Anti-Fake News Act 2018.

"We have to study," he said curtly at a press conference today.

Prior to the general election, Mahathir had vowed to abolish the anti-fake news law introduced by BN if Pakatan Harapan came to power.

The Anti-Fake News Act 2018, enacted in April by the previous BN government, carries a jail term of up to six years and a fine of up to RM500,000.

Critics say the punitive measures are excessive while there is no clear definition of what is to be considered fake news. They add the legislation may be used by the government to clamp down on dissenting views.

During the election campaign, Mahathir himself was subject to investigations under the fake news law after claiming that a private jet he was supposed to have boarded for Langkawi was sabotaged.

Yesterday, Mahathir stated his new government would define clearly what constituted fake news and what did not.

He said while the new government would not restrict the press, he warned that any efforts to instigate the people would not be tolerated.

"Fake news laws will be given clear definitions so that news companies know what is fake news and what is not fake news.

Mahathir did not specify if he plans to repeal or amend the existing law on fake news or craft a new one.

Position unchanged?

In PENANG earlier today, Lim Guan Eng, who was recently announced as finance minister in the new cabinet lineup, had said that Harapan’s stance on the Anti-Fake News Act 2018 was unchanged and that it would be repealed.

"The Harapan position has always been to abolish the Anti-Fake News Act. I will clarify with him (Mahathir) when I see him tomorrow, but I believe his position is still the same," the DAP secretary-general said at a press conference.

In a tweet yesterday, PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar had also reemphasised the "draconian" nature of the act.

"The anti-fake news law, which is thoroughly draconian in nature, should be repealed. We have promised the rakyat to abolish draconian laws," she tweeted.