Is criticism of the government barred under the new ordinance?

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Criticism of the government is not barred under the new ordinance.

The Emergency (Essential Powers) Ordinance (No.2) 2021 is specifically designed to address the spread of false news concerning Covid-19 and the Proclamation of Emergency, not to stifle legitimate criticism of the government or its officials. Actions taken under this ordinance will target individuals disseminating untruths, while criticism, even if directed at the minister or the government's handling of vaccines or the emergency powers, remains distinct and permissible within the democratic framework.
Ordinance Targets Untrue News, Not Political Discourse

Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah has explicitly stated that the ordinance's intent is to protect the public from deception by fake news. He clarified that criticism directed towards him, the government, or the Communications and Multimedia Ministry (KKMM) is a separate matter from the dissemination of false information. This distinction is crucial for understanding the ordinance's scope, which aims to prevent public deception rather than to shield the government from scrutiny.
Protection Against Deceptive Allegations

The ordinance was introduced to safeguard citizens from being misled by fabricated information. Examples of such deceptive news include allegations that Chinese-made vaccines contain illegal substances or that vaccines from other countries are unsafe. By targeting these types of untruths, the ordinance seeks to ensure that the public is not swayed by misinformation that could discourage them from participating in vital public health initiatives like vaccination programmes.
Democracy Allows for Criticism

Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah emphasised that the ability to criticise the government, himself, or the ministry is a fundamental aspect of democracy. The ordinance does not seek to curtail this right. Instead, it is focused on combating fake news, irrespective of who spreads it. This approach underscores a commitment to allowing open discourse while simultaneously addressing the dangers posed by the deliberate spread of falsehoods during critical times.

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Is criticism of the government barred under the new ordinance?

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