The popularity of the new media such as the Facebook and Twitter , and the existence of thousands of politically-oriented pro-government blogs provide a catalyst in wooing the support of young voters to back the Barisan Nasional in the 13th general election.

Kelantan Umno Liaison chairperson Mustapa Mohamed said the young generation now appeared to have more faith in the new media compared to the conventional form, and thus it was hoped that the presence of these bloggers could help the government ward off the slanders hurled by the opposition.

"I hope bloggers who have been supporting us in cyberspace all this while will continue to make explanations on certain issues, thus helping the government to clear the air on the slanders hurled by the opposition at the government.

"This is important because the young generation are keeping abreast with the political developments in the country through the new media," he told reporters after a meeting with more than 200 bloggers in Kota Baru, last night.

At the meeting, Mustapa, who is the International Trade and Industry Minister, also launched the "Kelab Tok Pa" in the social site Twitter , as a new platform in approaching the people and to listen to their problems.

- Bernama