Syed Saddiq: Senate backstabbed us by rejecting repeal of Anti-Fake News Bill

(The Star) – Dewan Negara has “stabbed the Government in the back” by refusing to repeal the Anti-Fake News Act 2018, said Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman.

“The debate on whether the Anti-Fake News Act should be repealed is somewhat timely, as the Senate has somewhat backstabbed us,” he told reporters at a press conference at the soft launching of the Re:Action Youth Engaged debate series here on Wednesday (Sept 12).

Syed Saddiq, who opposed the law, questioned whether such a controversial law should be allowed, as it was a pertinent issue affecting all Malaysians.

“This is a very pertinent issue, as it talks about the freedom of expression and freedom of the media to report despite the fact that it may be controversial,” he said.

The Muar MP said that it was for this reason that the theme chosen for inaugural debate series was ‘Repealing the Anti-Fake News Act is a mistake’.

“That is why we picked this topic.

“When we debate it, it will bring an impact to policy making and forming public opinion and defining public policy,” he said.

Syed Saddiq was asked to comment on the Senate’s move to block the passing of the Anti-Fake News (Repeal) Act 2018.

Earlier Wednesday (Sept 12), the Dewan Negara had rejected the Bill to repeal the Anti-Fake News Act 2018.

This was announced by Dewan Negara president Tan Sri S.A. Vigneswaran, after 28 members voted against the repeal, compared to 21 who supported it. Three others chose not to vote.

Dewan Rakyat had passed the Anti Fake New (Repeal) Bill on Aug 16.

The Anti-Fake News Act 2018 was bulldozed through Parliament by the previous Barisan Nasional Government on April and passed in Parliament on April 2.

Despite protests from Pakatan lawmakers, it was passed by Dewan Negara the following day on April 3, a month before the May 9 general election.

Pakatan, in its election manifesto, promised to repeal the Act.

Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was investigated under the Act over his claims that the private jet he was using had been sabotaged to prevent him from attending a ceramah during the election campaign.

Syed Saddiq will be debating against RHB Banking Group’s chief financial officer Syed Ahmad Taufik Albar on the issue at the International Islamic University Malaysia’s cultural centre at 8pm on Sept 18 and will be broadcasted live by RTM.