Spreading ‘fake news’ is a staple for the opposition, Jailani says

Internet users should exercise caution when receiving information which go viral on social media so that they will not fall for the defamatory material being targeted at the BN-led government, said Deputy Communications and Multimedia Minister Jailani Johari.

He said not all information disseminated via social media were verified and true, particularly with the 14th general election around the corner.

“Stop spreading fake news. I can see the act of disseminating lies is like a staple for those on the other side (opposition), especially with the general election drawing nearer,” he told reporters after a “Meet-the-Leader” programme in the Gual Periok state constituency in Rantau Panjang here today.

Also present were Communications and Multimedia Ministry secretary-general Dr Sharifah Zarah Syed Ahmad and Rantau Panjang Umno division chief Abdullah Mat Yasim.

Jailani said the hurling of lies and empty promises were tactics employed by the opposition to win voters’ support in an election.

As such, he said as a rational and wise society, they should not fall for the promises made by the opposition because it would be impossible for them to walk the talk.

“On the contrary, the BN-led government has its manifesto and delivers on its promises,” said Jailani.

Meanwhile, the minister said two telecommunication towers in the Rantau Panjang parliamentary constituency were completed while five others would be erected this year under the “Connecting the Unconnected” programme which is being implemented under the National Blue Ocean Strategy (NBOS).

Earlier, Jailani had visited cancer-stricken woman Asiah Latiff, 65, and stroke patient Arif Mohd Daud, also 65, both of whom have been living in the Gual Periok polling district.

- Bernama