This paper examines the evolving intersection of artificial intelligence (AI), disinformation, and democracy in Malaysia, focusing on how regulatory frameworks and institutional responses are adapting to emerging digital challenges. Malaysia’s experience with disinformation has been shaped by a history of restrictive legislation—such as the Anti-Fake News Act 2018 and the Emergency (Essential Powers) Ordinance 2021—whose broad definitions and political use raised serious concerns over free expression. Although both were repealed, similar dynamics persist under long-standing statutes like the Sedition Act, Defamation Act, and Communications and Multimedia Act, which continue to influence information governance. Against this backdrop, the rapid growth of generative and predictive AI has complicated the landscape, prompting the introduction of forward-looking measures including the National AI Roadmap (2021–2025), the National Guidelines on AI Governance and Ethics (2024), amendments to the Personal Data Protection Act (2024), and proposed laws such as the Cyber Security Act and Online Safety Bill.

These initiatives reflect Malaysia’s intent to balance innovation with accountability and privacy, yet they also reveal persistent fragmentation and overlapping mandates across agencies. Complementary interventions by civil society and the media—such as Sebenarnya.my, MyCheck Malaysia, and JomCheck—have improved fact-checking and media literacy, though challenges remain in ensuring independence, sustainability, and AI literacy. The paper argues that Malaysia’s regulatory trajectory illustrates both progress and tension: efforts to safeguard national security and public order risk encroaching on democratic freedoms if not carefully implemented. Strengthening multi-stakeholder collaboration, consolidating existing laws, and embedding AI literacy into media education are critical steps toward building a more resilient and democratic information ecosystem in the age of artificial intelligence.