Chair of Parliament’s Information and Communication Committee says the draft of the Misinformation and Disinformation Bill was deliberately made public by the Communication Minister to invite public feedback and debate before it is formally considered.

Bunkpurugu MP Abednego Lamangin Bandim, speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express on November 3, explained that the publication of the draft bill was part of a deliberate effort by the Ministry to promote public engagement.

“We are just starting the process, and somebody must drive through, which is the Communication Ministry,” he said.

“The Minister thinks that the best thing to do is to put the bill in its current form and allow public engagement.

"That is why when he said they have not been consulted and other persons on social media make such comments for a bill which is only beginning its consultation…the Minister has deliberately put this information out there to allow public discourse, so if you have concerns you can send your concerns for consideration.”

Mr Bandim, who leads the committee responsible for communication matters in Parliament, urged stakeholders and social media users to make their inputs rather than assume the bill has already been concluded.

He said the legislative process has only begun, and there is a long way to go before the bill becomes law.

“I am trying very hard not to discuss the content of the bill at this stage because this is just the beginning and the bill has a long way to go before it is passed into law,” he noted.

“To start to discuss the content of it now, as the Chair, is not in the best interest.”

His comments followed concerns raised on the same programme by representatives of new media associations who complained that they had not been consulted in the process.

They argued that the draft bill appeared vague and could expose online content creators to harsh penalties.

Mr Bandim’s clarification, however, suggests that government’s decision to release the draft was intentional and meant to stimulate early engagement, allowing media professionals, content creators, and the general public to make their views known before the bill reaches Parliament.