Mahathir-led government to face major challenge over 'fake news' laws

KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Malaysia’s opposition-led Senate blocked an effort to repeal a law against “fake news” on Wednesday, presenting the first major challenge for the new government of Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.

Mahathir, 93, secured a stunning election win in May, ending the decade-long rule of former premier Najib Razak and changing Malaysia’s government for the first time in six decades.

But the Senate, or upper house of parliament, is still dominated by an opposition led by the defeated Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition, which can block bills and delay government initiatives.

Malaysia was among the first few countries to introduce an anti-fake news law although other countries in the region, including Singapore and the Philippines, have said they are considering how to tackle “fake news”.

Co-opted by U.S. President Donald Trump, the term “fake news” has become part of the standard repertoire of leaders in authoritarian countries to describe media reports and organizations critical of them.

Just days ahead of the elections, Mahathir himself was accused of spreading fake news after authorities said they were investigating him over what they said were false claims that his plane was sabotaged.