Virtual reality has created a real-time headache for Umno Youth chief Hishammuddin Hussein, who pointed out the potential harm that Internet users could cause the nation.

Addressing the Youth wing's meeting today ahead of the Umno general assembly, he said the Internet is being exploited by some quarters to gain political mileage and popularity - and thereby spread disunity.

"I advise those who exploit virtual reality for political mileage to stop this at once, as your tactic of sensationalising issues will not last long," said Hishammuddin (right, in photo).

He said bloggers and other Internet users must be responsible when being critical or disseminating information, because the irresponsible spread of information would cause harm to the nation.

While he welcomed criticism - whatever the avenue - as an integral part of the Malay tradition, he said comments must be constructive.

Citing the example of legendary Malay scholar Munshi Abdullah who was renowned for his criticism of Malays, Hishammuddin said Malays have long practised a tradition of critical thinking.

"Munshi Abdullah did not only criticise, but was also famous for proposing ways to counter Malay flaws, unlike critics of today," he said.

Hishamuddin lambasted critics as hypocrites, claiming that this group comprises "comfortable, privileged Malays who know nothing of the people's suffering, but who wish to champion them".

He further told Umno Youth members that they have many obstacles to overcome because the younger generation is being bombarded with unlimited information via information and communication technology (ICT).

The task ahead, he said, is to maintain the identity of both Malays and Islam even as ICT shapes the minds and personalities of youth.

He urged Umno Youth to be more aggressive in working with the younger generation, to inculcate values that sustain the Malay and Islamic identity to counter the impact of robust globalisation.