Respect each other, especially on social media: PM

SERI KEMBANGAN: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak urged netizens to refrain from abusing social media and causing disharmony among all races in the country.

"We have to respect each other, especially on social media. We can't use social media to make fun of each other or to ridicule each other.

"We need to cooperate and strengthen the building of a united and progressive Malaysia," he said in his speech to officiate the Chinese Associations Malaysia (Huazong) building in Seri Kembangan this afternoon.

Stating that the people should apply tolerance at all times, Najib said the people should show respect to others in all forms of communication.

"This includes all media, especially in social media," he added.
"We cannot use social media to mock. We not only have to make sure that people obey the laws of the country but also all the efforts to strengthen the unity among the races."

Najib admitted that 2016 is a challenging year but he is convinced that the government will be able to overcome the economic slowdown caused by the weak ringgit and low oil prices.

"We have many challenges ahead - in weeks, months and 2016 is very challenging for the government, businesses and the people.

Najib congratulated the Huazong committee under the leadership of president Tan Sri Pheng Yin Huah for building a smart building worth RM85 million for the Chinese community.

He also announced that the government will contribute RM3 million to the Huazong fund as part of the organisation's quest to reach a target of RM12 million this year.

Previously, the government had disbursed RM5 million for the construction of the house in 2011.

"It is a landmark and the building also includes a hall that can accommodate 150 tables for banquets and an auditorium that can accommodate 500 guests," he said.

Also present were MCA president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai,Gerakan president Datuk Mah Siew Keong and Huazong honorary advisor Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah.