Malaysia’s new government has repealed a widely criticised law prohibiting “fake news”, in a move hailed as a landmark moment for human rights by a group of south-east Asian politicians.
The bill was passed in April under former Prime Minister Najib Razak (pictured) despite concerns that it would be used to silence dissent ahead of a 9 May general election.
Najib’s long-ruling coalition was ousted in the polls, ushering in the country’s first transition of power since independence from Britain in 1957.
After an intense six-hour debate in parliament and protest by MPs in Najib’s party, the law was repealed on Thursday with a simple voice vote.
Picture: Reuters/Lai Seng Sin
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