Barisan to combat fake news

KUALA LUMPUR: In its bid to combat fake news on social media as the 14th general election looms, Barisan Nasional has rolled out its very own portal called “theRakyat”.

In launching the website last night, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said social media has become the primary source of information among the people.

“In the 13th general election, we became the victim of fake news, although the term was not popular back then.

“The reality is, fake news has become the Opposition’s weapon and has brought consequences to us,” Najib, who is also Barisan chairman, said in his speech.

He added that among the fake news that were used against Barisan were claims of bringing in 40,000 Bangladeshi voters, blackouts during vote counting at several polling centres, and a tweet from an Opposition leader who claimed they have won the election.

“We believe the same thing will happen during the 14th general election.

“That is why we need a platform that can be used to connect, and to spread accurate and quick information to the people.

“In other words, every information in the portal must be authoritative,” Najib said.

Eye-catching: Performers putting on a colourful show during the launching of ‘theRakyat’ portal. 

The portal (therakyat.com) is also an interactive site for the public to present their views and feedback, he added.

Najib stressed that much effort was made by the Barisan-led Government and the coalition has a vision and concrete plan for the nation.

Also present at the launch were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Barisan component party leaders, including MCA president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, MIC president Datuk Seri Dr S. Subra­ma­niam, Gerakan president Datuk Seri Mah Siew Keong and others.

The portal is an extension of the “e-rakyat” bulletin, which is now in its 20th edition since it was launched by Najib in March last year.

Besides featuring information on Barisan’s candidates in the upcoming polls, the website will also feature one-on-one interviews with Barisan leaders in a programme called Bicara 4 Mata to explain the coalition’s manifesto for the elections.

Bicara 4 Mata will also be aired on RTM at 9.30pm and TV3 at 11pm on alternate Wednesdays.

The maiden show was an interview with Najib, which was aired yesterday in conjunction with the launch.

It will be aired again on Jan 17 and 31, Feb 14 and 28, March 14 and 28, April 11 and 25, and May 9.

Meanwhile, Najib described the planned joint rally between MCA and Gerakan as “historic”, adding that the two component parties would form a solid and strong bond.

To be held this Saturday, the “MCA-Gerakan Stronger Together Assembly” is aimed at strengthening the good relationship between the two Barisan component parties ahead of the general election.