He said the government could not determine what was true or false, and that the common-sense principle of saying things based on facts must prevail.
“The act was designed to cover up the 1MDB scandal… it is against freedom of press and freedom of speech.
“I am confident that our position remains the same… that PH’s position is to abolish the act,” he said at the Khazanah Nasional office at China Street Ghaut here.
He was responding to questions on Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s announcement that “proper” definitions would be given so that the media and public are clear on what constitutes fake news.
Lim said he would clarify the matter with Mahathir tomorrow before making any further comments.
The Anti-Fake News Act 2018 was pushed through in Parliament last month. It carries a jail term of six years and a RM500,000 fine.
Human rights groups have asked the new federal government to repeal the act completely instead of amending it.
They say the existing internet and defamation laws are sufficient to deal with false reports.