Malaysia’s government has proposed new laws aimed at banning fake, or false, news. Punishments for those breaking the laws include a 10-year jail sentence and large fines. Some people have called the proposed laws an attempt to severely limit criticism of the government before the general election. Prime Minister Najib Razak is currently facing questions about billions of dollars missing from a state investment fund. Human rights activists are concerned the new laws could be used to make reports on government wrongdoing and critical opinions illegal. The general election is required to be held by August, but observers expect it to be held in the next few weeks. The anti-fake news bills call for punishing those who create, offer, spread, print or publish false news or publications containing false news. Those found guilty could face a 10-year prison sentence, a fine of more than $128,000 or both.