Najib to counter online ‘slander, false news’ with 1 Malaysia TV

By Shazwan Mustafa Kamal

December 18, 2011

Najib acknowledged today that Malaysians turn to “other sources” online due to the current information “vacuum” with regards to news and current issues related to the country. — file pic

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 18 — Datuk Seri Najib Razak today unveiled his administration’s first internet protocol television site, saying that the move would enable the government to disseminate information to Malaysians in “real-time.”

Speaking at a glitzy launch, the prime minister said “1 Malaysia TV” would allow “speedy” and “accurate” information to be disseminated to the public.

He acknowledged the fact that there was currently an information “vacuum” with regards to news and current issues related to the country, causing Malaysians to turn to “other sources” online to gain access to said information.

“We do not have a choice. We have to disseminate fast and accurate information to the rakyat.

“When there is a vacuum, that vacuum is filled with (information through) other sources, sometimes it is mixed with fairytales, false news and slander,” Najib said.

He said that everyone, including politicians, needed to start using social media to interact with their fellow Malaysians, and that he has made it a point to meet up with his Facebook friends once every few months.

Najib said that his administration took cognisance of the fact that Malaysians have been identified as “the most cyber-social” country in the world.

1 Malaysia TV will be run by 1 Media IPTV Sdn Bhd where Datuk Md Afendi Hj Hamdan will act as advisor.

Content providers include RTM1, RTM2, TV3, TV Al-Hijrah, MyTV, CCTV1, e-Korea TV, e-rama tv, and Documentary TV.

Afendi said that besides going online at www.1malaysiaiptv.com.my orwww.erama.tv/mobiletv, users could also download the applications to view the channels via smart devices such as the BlackBerry, iPhone, iPad or Android.