Speaking to FMT, Zaid Ibrahim expressed concern over the government’s plan to repeal the controversial law, saying social media is full of “false and dangerous” information.

“The government must be able to deal with these hate-mongers quickly,” he said, adding that the act could be repealed once Putrajaya has “something better to offer”.

“But to do so now would be irresponsible. We must be able to deal with those who use freedom to destroy the fabric of the nation.”

Yesterday, Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo said Putrajaya had proposed setting up a parliamentary select committee to curb fake news on social media.

He said the committee would advise the government on how to deal with issues concerning social media regardless of whether the Anti-Fake News Act is successfully abolished in the next parliamentary sitting.

The initial attempt to repeal the act failed as it was rejected by the Dewan Negara despite being passed by the Dewan Rakyat.

Inspector-General of Police Abdul Hamid Bador recently warned that police would arrest anyone found to be spreading fake news on the shooting incident in Batu Arang, Selangor, or the amok case in Penang.

He said such fake news could lead to racial tension in the country.