Government to use ‘keyboard warriors’ to counter racial, political accusations

KAJANG: The Government will make use of their team of "keyboard warriors" to try and counter the racial and political accusations and attacks on social media.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Tan Sri Joseph Kurup (pic) said that the group of 50 Pengerak Perpaduan members would be tasked to take up the responsibility.

"They were formed two years ago and their responsibility is not only to answer the online critics but to identify issues that could disrupt the stability of the country," he said on Monday.

He was speaking during a meet and greet session with the members on Aug 3.

Kurup said that the group also played a part in organising community events and to counter racist and negative comments towards the Government.

"Criticism is not bad but it should be constructive.

"There is just no point making statements just to stir sensitivities and cause problems in the society," he said.

He added that the Government would monitor the work of the group and decide if more members needed to be recruited soon.

"We have to study how effective they are in the community and only then can we decide on expansion," he said.

He added that he had the responsibility to ensure that all Malaysians held on to unity.

"When there is unity, then there will be development and progress in the country.

"We also have to be aware of the issues happening around us as there are many parties who want the Government to fall and have been spreading information that could hurt our reputation and image," he said.

He added that whatever it is, it was important for civil servants and the Penggerak Perpaduan members to refrain from involving themselves in the agenda to topple the Government.

"Wait until the next election. Everyone will have an opportunity to express what they think about the Government and the Opposition," he said.