“Youth and Disinformation in Malaysia: Strengthening Electoral Integrity” identifies the potential risks from disinformation that youths are likely to face in the 15th General Election (GE15) to be held latest by September 2023.
A review of media reports and studies that referenced the last 5 general elections from 1999-2018, revealed 5 recurring patterns of disinformation. These largely cluster around issues related to: sexual orientation and promiscuity; corruption; electoral integrity; women politicians and foreign interference.
To date, legal and non-legal measures remain largely ineffective against political disinformation. Provisions in existing laws and the revoked anti-fake news law are vague and place authority in the hands of government authorities who can use these laws against its critics. Similarly, non-legal measures initiated by government agencies, government-linked companies and politicians lack the involvement of other stakeholders.
The report has a set of target recommendations for different stakeholders. However, in essence, it recommends that legislation criminalising disinformation be compatible with international standards, and not restrict freedom of expression nor silence critics. And that the development of non-legal measures, such as media and digital literacy, involve non-government stakeholders and be promoted at an early age among the youth.
These recommendations, when implemented, can help prevent youth and the general public from the risks of political disinformation. In turn, it can strengthen the integrity and trust in Malaysia’s electoral system.
The report is researched and published by Asia Centre with the support of Google.
Date: 8 September 2022
Time: 2:00PM - 4:00 PM Malaysia Time GMT+8
Venue: LT21, Taylor's University (Lakeside Campus), Malaysia
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