Fake news: how it changed Europe

Raja Sara Petra

One side of the argument on Malaysia’s new fake news law is that it curtails freedom of information. That, of course, is one view. But then there are always two sides to any argument and fake news does serious damage if not controlled. Anyway, why fear fake news laws if you are innocent?

Take the UK as one example. Many people now regret voting for BREXIT. They say they were influenced by fake news to vote for BREXIT and now have come to realise that most of what was said were all lies. Politicians twisted the truth and made all sorts of false claims that have now been proven lies.

But now it is too late. The BREXIT referendum is final and cannot be reversed. Not only Britain, but also the entire Europe has to pay for what fake news did to influence British voters to vote for BREXIT.

The same as what is going on in Malaysia. Pakatan Harapan spreads fake news saying it will abolish highway toll charges. However, the latest hint is that it would be impossible to do that because the government cannot afford to subside the cost.

On the 6% GST, Pakatan promises it will be abolished and replaced with SST, which will be more than double the 6% GST. But I suspect Pakatan will just retain the GST in the end. So that is another fake news from Pakatan.