Democracy and freedom of speech have to be protected from disinformation and fake news, said Communications and Multimedia Minister Salleh Said Keruak.

In his latest post on his blog, Salleh said the sanctity of both matters needed to be upheld by clamping down on the abuse of freedom of speech by those who spread disinformation and fake news.

Salleh said the opposition Pakatan Harapan leaders were suggesting that the new law being proposed to curb abuse of freedom of speech and fake news were meant to hide the truth.

“Even the Western world is beginning to re-examine freedom of speech and now regards disinformation and fake news not as freedom of speech, but as a threat to democracy.

“Britain, the bastion of democracy and free speech, is of the opinion that people are abusing freedom of speech, and is considering new laws to combat this problem,” he said.

The minister said the new anti-fake news law would apply to all and were not just confined to politics as there had been an increase in fake news of late.

“If what is being spread is not fake news, then why the need for concern?” he asked.

Salleh said the law was to protect victims of fake news who should be offered justice as well.

- Bernama