Written question asked by Emily Thornberry (Labour) on Monday, 16 April 2018, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 18 April 2018. It was answered by Boris Johnson (Conservative) on Tuesday, 24 April 2018 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Malaysia: Freedom of Expression

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential implications of provisions in the Anti-Fake News Bill recently passed by the Malaysian Parliament, which apply to reporting by foreign media organisations, for the ability of the BBC World Service to operate freely in that country.

Answer: I am concerned about the potential implications the new Anti-Fake News Bill could have, including for British citizens, media and business, and that this Bill was passed without meaningful public consultation or debate. The UK has, along with European partners, written to the Malaysian Government setting out our concerns, including around the potential extra territorial effects of the Bill, and requesting a meeting to discuss this. Most recently, the Minister for Asia and the Pacific discussed this issue with the Malaysian Senate President on 18 April. The UK will continue to promote freedom of expression and the right of the media including foreign media organisations, to report honestly and impartially.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 136041
Session: 2017-19
Grouped for answer: Yes
Subjects: Freedom of expression Media Malaysia BBC World Service Disinformation
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk