#Kitakawan makes rounds to counter hate narratives on social media

 

In an effort to counter hate narratives that first emerged on TikTok, Malaysians have taken to #Kitakawan which shares joyful stories of what it means to be a nation of many races and religious faiths living together.

Among the most popular posts are a large crowd of Malaysians on the LRT singing the song of unity "Saya Anak Malaysia".

DAP's newly elected Bentong MP Young Syefura Othman also posted a popular photo of three elected female representatives of different races at the Pahang state assembly.

Taken during her time serving as Ketari assemblyperson, she is pictured with then-Sabai assemblyperson Kamache Doray Rajoo and Triang representative Leong Yu Man.

Other popular pictures shared include children at school and during sporting events, featuring the multi-racial spirit of Malaysians.

Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) executive director Wathshlah Naidu talked about #kitakawan yesterday saying that it was good to have positive and moderate voices attempting to counter hate narratives.

"It demonstrates the critical need to be informed and withstand such targeted hate narratives," she said.

In a joint statement, CIJ, Architects of Diversity (AOD), Justice for Sisters, Beyond Borders, Sisters in Islam (SIS), KRYSS Network, Persatuan Sahabat Wanita Selangor and Pusat Komas expressed alarm and dismay over what they say was a well-coordinated and paid attempt on social media to generate anti-DAP, anti-Chinese fear and hatred.

“CIJ’s social media monitoring programme for GE15 has found what seems to be a well-coordinated and paid attempt on social media to generate anti-DAP and anti-Chinese fear and hatred since the elections.

“Inflammatory posts, which are mostly on TikTok, have been pushing an anti-DAP agenda while calling for mainly Perikatan Nasional (PN) to govern the country.

“These posts demonstrate trends that include rewriting the history of the May 13, 1969 race riots – which includes blaming DAP for the tragedy,” said the groups. - Mkini