KUALA LUMPUR: Countering fake news will help to swing the coming 14th General Election decisively, said Sungai Besar MP Budiman Mohd Zohdi.
He said fake news, which can easily go viral on social media and shock the public, is now seen as one of the greatest threats to the nation's democracy.
He urged the public to consider misinformation, which is increasingly becoming a huge issue, in a partisan or open-minded fashion.
"I hope the people will examine fake news and the spread of misinformation more broadly.
“The public must not be misled by deliberate misinformation or hoaxes spread via online social media.
“They need to know exactly what is happening in the country and be on guard against those who peddle falsehoods to swing public opinion and sow division,” said Budiman, who is also Sungai Panjang assemblyman.
He was speaking to reporters when launching his book ‘Bicara Budi’ which is a compilation of news articles from Utusan Malaysia, Mingguan Malaysia, Berita Harian, Sinar Harian, New Straits Times and China Press.
The launch, held at Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) today, was graced by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, who are both Umno vice-presidents.
Budiman, who is also Malaysian Institute for Translation and Books (ITBM) chairman, said the articles touches on a wide range of current affairs and social Issues.
Common topics include public transportation in Selangor, the implementation of Automated Enforcement System (AES), the policy and suggestions contained in 'Dasar Buku Negara’ and the outlook of the nation’s publishing industry.