Information Minister Khalil Yaakob has directed departments and agencies under his ministry to focus on the general election.

He said as the Information Ministry was the frontline ministry during general elections, it was its responsibility to give the right explanation to the people, Bernama quoted him as saying today.

Lies and slanders

"In the run-up to the general election, we are facing misinformation posted through the Internet and anonymous letters which are all lies, slanders and allegations against the country's leaders and government," he said when opening a symposium to improve the services of the Information Ministry in Alor Gajah, Malacca last night.

Khalil said the ministry should provide accurate information when clearing a misconception to correct false reports.

"We in the Information Ministry have a heavy responsibility in ensuring true reports in defending and explaining government policies, more so with the approaching general election," he said, adding that accurate and true reports were important in realising the government's hopes and aspirations.