KUANTAN (10 JULY): Differences of opinion, discussions, exchanges of views, and criticism, whether in the mainstream media or on social media, should be embraced, according to Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah, in order to foster better understanding and allow democracy to evolve. “We should, in my opinion, enable a healthy exchange of ideas and viewpoints, whether we agree with them or not… and both parties should accept it (that view). We are always open to constructive criticism, and clashing of ideas will lead to new and better ideas (ideas).
“The only things that should be avoided are disrespectful words and nasty things,” he remarked at a news conference following the opening of the Pahang Entrepreneur Workshop: Digital Empowerment Programme today.
He claims that the rise of social media has spawned a digital community that is free to express itself on a variety of online channels.
However, opinions must be conveyed in a courteous manner, based on facts and data, and, if discussing politics, on the Constitution, Rukun Negara, and other relevant documents.
MyNIC Bhd hosted the one-day session, which was attended by the company’s chairman, Dr Mohamed Awang Lah, and chief executive officer, Datuk Hasnul Fadhly Hasan.
According to Saifuddin, who is also the Pahang Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) leadership body chief, the government is open to criticism, which is based on ‘the way the individual sees, evaluates, and acts,’ and from that criticism, there are some views that can be accepted and others that need to be explained further.
“This is not a matter of protecting the current administration; rather, it is a matter of stability, and the current government, which happens to be a Perikatan Nasional (PN) government, deserves to continue to manage the country at this time, in my opinion.
“Malaysia requires political as well as economic stability. If there is instability, the continuing efforts to regulate and handle the Covid-19 outbreak, as well as the economy, will be disrupted “he stated
Although the government was criticized, no action was taken against them under the Emergency (Essential Powers) (No.2) Ordinance 2021, according to Saifuddin, because the clause was used “extremely carefully to suppress fake news” in dealing with the epidemic./n
