Beware of disinformation

Tee Yong: Don’t be misled by half-truths and mere political spinnings

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s social landscape is increasingly being shaped by information obtained from the social media, said Datuk Chua Tee Yong.

However, the Deputy Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister, who was a speaker on the “Social and Cultural Landscape – The Challenges Ahead” topic at the Malaysian Chinese at Political Crossroads forum on Saturday, warned about the spread of false information.

He cited recent incidents that saw heated exchanges of racial slurs among Internet users, such as the one between two different bread brands and an assault on a fast food chain customer.

“I believe there should be emphasis on interaction via social networking media, but our youth must not be misled by half-truths or mere political spinnings sent through these means,” the MCA Young Professionals Bureau chief said, urging politicians to be responsible with information being disseminated online.

The third session of the Malaysian Chinese at the Political Crossroads conference, moderated by Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen, also featured thoughts from Gerakan deputy secretary-general Liang Teck Meng, DAP central executive committee member Teo Nie Ching and Centre for Strategic Engagement chief executive officer Fui K. Soong.

A clash of opinions over the cultural Chingay parade took place between Liang and Teo at the session, after the former praised the Barisan Nasional government for preserving the festival as a national heritage.