Emergency ordinance: Action only against fake news, not criticism - minister
Communications and Multimedia Minister Saifuddin Abdullah has assured that action under the Emergency (Essential Powers) Ordinance (No 2) 2021 will be taken against those who spread false news about Covid-19 and the emergency, and not because of criticising the government.
He said his ministry accepted the views and criticism from various parties, whether it were members of opposition parties, non-governmental organisations, or the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam), who expressed concern about the ordinance...
Communications and Multimedia Minister Saifuddin Abdullah has assured that action under the Emergency (Essential Powers) Ordinance (No 2) 2021 will be taken against those who spread false news about Covid-19 and the emergency, and not because of criticising the government.
He said his ministry accepted the views and criticism from various parties, whether it were members of opposition parties, non-governmental organisations, or the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam), who expressed concern about the ordinance.
"I would like to reiterate that this ordinance on untrue news is not at all intended for politicians. If he (politician) criticises me or the government in relation to matters involving vaccines or the ordinance, that criticism is different from fake news.
"We will make sure that action taken is on fake news, not criticism. In matters of democracy, it is possible to criticise but if it involves fake news, then no matter who spreads it, anyone can be hit (have action taken on them)," he told reporters today.
He was speaking after the launch of the book "Respecting National Emblems" and the ministry's one-year report card in Putrajaya today.
Saifuddin said the ordinance was aimed at protecting the public from being deceived by fake news instead of saving the government from criticism.
He said people needed to be protected from being deceived by untrue news that discourages them from registering for the Covid-19 vaccine.
Meanwhile, on Kuala Langat MP Dr Xavier Jayakumar who quit PKR to support Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, Saifuddin said Xavier's stand should be respected.
On Saturday, Xavier resigned as vice-president and PKR member with immediate effect after being with the party since 1998, saying that he was frustrated with the actions of some parties who continue to discuss the election when the main focus should be helping the people and tackling the Covid-19 pandemic.
- Bernama
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