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Singapore opposition joins backlash against proposed fake news law
Source: Reuters
WORLD NEWS MAY 7, 2019 / 8:22 AM / UPDATED 43 MINUTES AGO
Singapore opposition joins backlash against proposed fake news law
Fathin Ungku, John Geddie
4 MIN READ
SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Singapore’s lone opposition party in parliament has said it will oppose a controversial fake news bill that has been criticized by rights groups, journalists and tech firms as a debate over the proposed legislation entered a second day on Wednesday.
The move is unlikely to derail the law, seen by some as giving government too much power and hindering free speech, although parliament is set to consider amendments that could narrow its scope before a final vote expected as soon as Wednesday.
“The Workers’ Party opposes this bill,” opposition leader Pritam Singh told parliament on Tuesday. “We do not agree that the executive should be the initial decision maker on matters surrounding false statements of fact.”
The Workers’ Party only holds six of 89 elected seats in parliament, with the rest held by the People’s Action Party which has governed since Singapore’s independence from Britain more than 50 years ago.
Singapore is ranked 151 among 180 countries rated in the World Press Freedom Index of Reporters Without Borders, a non-government group that promotes freedom of information, below the likes of Russia and Myanmar.
-snip-
Singapore opposition joins backlash against proposed fake news law
Fathin Ungku, John Geddie
4 MIN READ
SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Singapore’s lone opposition party in parliament has said it will oppose a controversial fake news bill that has been criticized by rights groups, journalists and tech firms as a debate over the proposed legislation entered a second day on Wednesday.
The move is unlikely to derail the law, seen by some as giving government too much power and hindering free speech, although parliament is set to consider amendments that could narrow its scope before a final vote expected as soon as Wednesday.
“The Workers’ Party opposes this bill,” opposition leader Pritam Singh told parliament on Tuesday. “We do not agree that the executive should be the initial decision maker on matters surrounding false statements of fact.”
The Workers’ Party only holds six of 89 elected seats in parliament, with the rest held by the People’s Action Party which has governed since Singapore’s independence from Britain more than 50 years ago.
Singapore is ranked 151 among 180 countries rated in the World Press Freedom Index of Reporters Without Borders, a non-government group that promotes freedom of information, below the likes of Russia and Myanmar.
-snip-
Read more: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-singapore-politics-fakenews/singapore-opposition-joins-backlash-against-proposed-fake-news-law-idUSKCN1SD1EQ
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