KUALA LUMPUR: The impact of social media should not be underestimated as more than 20 million Malaysians are active users, making it an effective platform to disseminate information.
In his blog www.najibrazak.com, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak reminded social media users of their responsibility to spread positive news.
He went on to advise users to help inculcate patriotism, just like a number of users who have done so.
He cited a user by the name of Dr Abdul Rahman, who uses the platform to share with the public about the country’s healthcare services.
“The responsibility as a social media user is great because you are able to influence society. Use that influence to inculcate a love for the nation.
“I hope that there would be more social media users like Dr Abdul Rahman who chose to remind society on government efforts and policies. His sharing on the healthcare service charges which has not changed for decades has become viral on Facebook,” Najib said.
The Prime Minister, who had earlier attended a break fast session, #MariBerjumpaRamadan, with his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor in Brickfields, expressed his joy to be reunited with his “online friends” at the event.
In a speech at the event, he had said that he took the opportunity to remind these social media influencer of their roles.
“Spread positive news about the country and don’t get entrenched in spreading negative stories. Hopefully we will succeed in creating a positive and loving society.”
He also said that the social media platform had allowed him to interact and get closer to the people, especially young Malaysians.
“Through the #MariBerhubung programme that was implemented since 2014, I have gotten close to many users and big names in social media in several laidback sessions, where we talk about current issues. They also have the opportunity to give me their opinions as well as feedback directly,” said Najib.
Among those who attended the #MariBerjumpaRamadan session were popular host Datuk Aznil Nawawi, social media celebrity Wak Doyok, fashion designer Fuzana Mokhtaza and Kilang Bateri founder in Johor, Johan Ropi.
Also present was community activist Kuan Chee Heng, who was praised by Najib as an epitome of the 1Malaysia spirit – Kuan is well-known for his unceasing efforts to assist the underprivileged to get treatment at hospitals, by offering them rides at the rate of 10 sen.
Najib and his wife also feted 60 children from Sekolah Bimbingan Jalinan Kasih (SBJK) and were moved when they heard a recorded speech by the students’ representative.
“To Nurlaila Sari and the children at di SBJK, have faith that the government will continue in its commitment to look after your welfare,” Najib said, adding that he and his family would pray for the children’s success.