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No 'special announcement' from PM today
Published:  Feb 21, 2018 11:59 AM
Updated: 10:22 AM
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With the 14th general election expected to be called anytime soon, an outdated visual has gone viral on social media, claiming that Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak is about to make a “special announcement”.

According to the visual, the purported “special announcement” would be made today, which led a number of netizens to speculate that Parliament would be dissolved.

A check by Malaysiakini confirmed that no such event is scheduled for today, with an aide denying any planned announcement by the prime minister.

Astro Awani also confirmed that the screenshot was from 2013, prior to the last general election.

In a statement later, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) denied the viral message and urged the public to check the veracity of a message first, before spreading it on social media. 

"The spreading of fake news is an unhealthy phenomenon which could jeopardize individuals and the country. 

"The government is drafting laws to handle fake news, where those who spread them will be dealt with accordingly,  by the authorities," said the statement.

Earlier this month, another message that made its rounds on social media erroneously claimed that Parliament would be dissolved on Feb 22.

While some political analysts believe Parliament will be dissolved a week after Chap Goh Meh on March 2 to pave the way for GE14, Umno supreme council member Mohamed Nazri Aziz has indicated that this is only likely to occur in April.

Last Sunday, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi also teased on a pre-Hari Raya Aidilfitri polling date.

“We have just celebrated Chinese New Year. Next, we will celebrate Aidilfitri.

“However, before that Hari Raya, we will have another ‘Raya’ (general election),” Zahid had said.

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