KUALA LUMPUR: A photograph showing Pakatan Harapan chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad hugging two individuals, believed to be his former bodyguards, is misleading, Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin said today.
He said, the photograph which had gone made viral on social media recently was actually taken last year and had nothing to do with the government's move to end the Special Action Unit (UTK) service provided to the former prime minister.
"We condemn fake news and will take this as an example. Fake news such as this one must be condemned," he told Umno delegates during the party's Social Media Convention at Putra World Trade Centre here today.
He said, the Umno's IT Bureau must be proactive in questioning the authenticity of such viraled picture as it painted a bad image on Umno where detractors accused the government of being cruel.
The photograph went viral since last week after it was reported that the government has terminated Dr Mahathir's bodyguard service.
"Where is the source to this news? The picture was taken last year. But nobody questioned the source. Such story has been used by certain quarters to draw sympathy."
Khairy, who is also Youth and Sports Minister, urged Umno cybertroopers to not lose their cool when faced with allegations on the social media as it might backfired.
"We can’t lash out on social media. You have to keep your cool. Do not respond immediately. Take your time and answer with facts because otherwise, it might be used against you,” Khairy said.
He also warned party leaders against making personal attacks on anyone as that would push away support for the ruling government.
"If you want to attack, make it based on facts and stuff. Do not make personal attacks. People don’t like it."