Umno, BN Members must stop being defensive on social media: DPM

KUALA NERANG: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said it is time for Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN) to stop being defensive and start using offensive approach on social media so that people will not get confused by the allegations by certain quarters.

The Umno vice president said 87% of Malaysians were active on social media and the medium should be used to enhance the credibility of the party and the government.

"This era, the era of social media, with borderless skies, there are 30 million people with 35 million mobile phones because some have more than one mobile phone ... this is the new wave, if we don't deal with it, we will sink.

"It's time to get back up. Now is the time to attack and tell the truth, the government's establishment must be restored," he said in his speech at the Padang Terap Umno delegates meeting here today.

Also present was Padang Terap Umno chief Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid, who is also Education Minister.
Ahmad Zahid said he, himself, had been the victim of false accusations being spread on social media, with the latest news that he had suffered from stroke last week.
"If I have stroke, how can I come to Padang Terap, Langkawi, Sungai Besar and attended the eve of National Day and (National Day) parade?

"(People) should pray for the good health of their leaders, not pray for bad things. It's a sin, repent immediately," he said, adding that he had forgiven those who made the accusation.

In another development, Ahmad Zahid reminded Umno Kedah not to get too complacent and should redouble its efforts to win the hearts of the people.
Currently, he said Umno and BN dominated 20 of the 36 state seats and Kedah had fallen to the opposition in the 12th general election.

Hence, state Umno leaders and members should self reflect and give full support to state Umno liaison chairman, Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah, who is also the mentri besar, to steer the party machinery.

At the event, Ahmad Zahid announced an allocation of RM2 million to the Padang Terap Parliamentary constituency for water supply upgrading projects. — Bernama