Speaking at the Parliament building here, he said it was only fair that the government be subjected to the law as well.
“For instance, in Terengganu there are many abandoned projects amounting to over RM300 million, but I would like to focus on Taman Ilmu, where pictures of the damage have gone viral on social media.”
He was referring to the 280ha project in Tembila, Besut, which began in 2004 at a cost of RM300 million. However, the project was later abandoned with many of its facilities reportedly damaged and left in bad condition.
Raja Kamarul said Terengganu Menteri Besar Ahmad Razif Abd Rahman had claimed that the pictures circulating on social media were old, but added he had proof that the pictures were new.
“He said the state paid RM32 million to a company to repair the old damage, but this is fake news.”
“I challenge (the Barisan Nasional government) to look at its own ministers’ statements first. Make sure the pioneering case is against their own.
“This will show fairness, and that the government is not exempted from the law, which should be applicable to everyone.”
The Anti-Fake News Bill 2018 was tabled in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.
Under the bill, it is an offence to create, offer, publish, distribute, circulate or disseminate fake news, punishable with a fine not exceeding RM500,000, up to 10 years’ jail, or both.
It is also an offence to directly or indirectly provide financial assistance to facilitate the spread of fake news or to abet the offence.
The bill describes fake news as any news, information, data or report, which is wholly or partly false, whether in the form of features, visuals, audio recordings or any other form, capable of suggesting words or ideas.