Malaysia's new leader indicates anti-fake news law to stay
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}New Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has indicated that his government will keep a controversial law banning fake news that's been slammed by critics as a tool to curb dissent.
The law, which was rushed through parliament last month ahead of last week's general election, carries a stiff penalty of up to six years in jail and a fine of 500,000 ringgit ($128,000). Mahathir himself was investigated under the law before he led his four-party alliance to a stunning electoral victory that ousted the long-ruling coalition.
Mahathir said in a televised broadcast Sunday that the law will be redefined to clearly specify what constitute fake news.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}He said there are limits to press freedom and freedom of speech, and that anyone out to cause chaos would have to face punishment.