KUALA LUMPUR: Social media can be used as a unifying tool to overcome the challenges brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic if used wisely, says Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker.
The Deputy National Unity Minister said while social media has become a platform for sharing and expressing thoughts, it is often misused to sow anger and hatred.
"Nowadays, social media should be used to carry out more community programmes to cultivate unity locally and globally.
"Unfortunately, because social media has yet to have its own structured code of conduct, it is often misused as a tool to provoke and spread unfounded allegations that cause tension within our diverse community," he said.
While social media is often abused, Ti said there have been examples of people using it for good.
Recently, he said members of the Kampung Baru Sempalit Voluntary Patrol Scheme (SRS) in Raub, Pahang raised almost RM111,000 within three days through crowdfunding to help a villager stricken with cancer.
Ti said that despite not being from privileged backgrounds, the SRS members in their 20s and 30s managed to help cancer patient Sam Kah Choy, 33, who had been struggling after the disease affected his leg.
"They are the actual heroes because they found a way to relieve problems instead of aggravating them. Politicians can learn a lot from them," he said.
He added that politicians must also realise that the people have grown frustrated with them always exploiting certain issues for their own selfish agenda.
"It is time for leaders to focus their time, energy and spirit towards resolving community problems," he said.
Ti also urged the people to stand united against the pandemic instead of being caught up in political conflicts and toxic rhetoric.
Ti said this when launching the GoCare Caring Be MY Hero Awareness Campaign at Wisma MCA on Monday (Jan 4).
The campaign, organised by the MCA Crisis Relief Squad, aims to support frontline workers and charities as well as care for underprivileged groups affected by the pandemic.
It also aims to raise awareness of living in the new normal as a means of guarding against the pandemic.
The GoCare BeMYHero Awareness Campaign appeals to the public for donations in cash or kind, to share knowledge, creativity and work through five types of missions - Sharing Zone, Hunt Zone, Talk Zone, Click Zone and Fund Zone.
Additionally, missions in the Hunt Zone are designed to assist job seekers to gain employment.
All donations in cash and kind received through the programme will be donated to underprivileged groups and frontline personnel.
More information about the campaign can be found on https://gocare.org.my/product/gocare-charity-awareness-campaign/.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access
Cancel anytime. Ad-free. Unlimited access with perks.
