Malaysia’s new government has repealed a widely criticised law prohibiting “fake news”, in a move hailed as a landmark moment for human rights by a group of south-east Asian politicians.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.