Najib instructs MCMC to check slander on social media

KUALA KUBU BARU: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission has been instructed to streamline laws and step up enforcement to check the dissemination of slander on social media.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak (pic) said Sunday that if slander on the social media was allowed to fester, it would alter the thinking paradigm of the people and create a state of "trial by social media".

"When faced with trial by social media, we, as members of the administration will be declared guilty before trial.

"But when it comes to the opposition, it is all considered defamation, not considered as the truth. Is this not weird?" he said when opening the Hulu Selangor Umno division delegates meeting here.

Also present at the meeting were Selangor Umno liaison committee chairman Datuk Seri Noh Omar and Hulu Selangor Umno division chief Mat Nadzari Ahmad Dahlan.

Najib said the Government could not obstruct the progress of technology but it also could not give absolute freedom to the extent that untruths were turned into truths.

He said Umno should also become an active social media practitioner and have a specific programme to change the perception of the people.

"Today, perception seems to overwhelm reality. We need to understand the situation when faced with attacks in cyberspace to better position our party," he said.

Najib said party members should come up with strategies to attract the support of the people and not revel in one's own self-satisfaction when implementing any programme.

On the recent Cabinet reshuffle, the prime minister said he would ensure that the Cabinet ministers delivered effective service to the people.

He added that Umno members in the three states he had so far visited, namely Malacca, Negeri Sembilan and Selangor, had expressed support for his leadership.

He expressed appreciation for the support and said it would drive him to strengthen the party and bring the nation greater success. – Bernama