Penang Amanah to play bigger role combating fake news, hate speech
With its new leadership line-up, Penang Amanah has vowed to play a bigger role in the state by helping to combat fake news and share the correct information with the grassroots.
At a press conference today, the party's state information director Zaidi Zakaria said one of the biggest challenges confronting Penang and the federal government was how to overcome the dissemination of fake news.
With its new leadership line-up, Penang Amanah has vowed to play a bigger role in the state by helping to combat fake news and share the correct information with the grassroots.
At a press conference today, the party's state information director Zaidi Zakaria said one of the biggest challenges confronting Penang and the federal government was how to overcome the dissemination of fake news.
"Other than fake news, hate speech, as well as racist and religious comments, are our biggest challenges as these do not just weaken Pakatan Harapan but can disrupt our efforts to be more inclusive, have integrity and be moderate and successful globally," said Zaidi.
Zaidi urged the state and federal leadership and the authorities to take stern action against those who spread false news and indulge in hate speech to tarnish the reputation of the government and country.
"We also urged the state and parliamentary constituency Harapan leadership to be more proactive clarifying current political issues to the rakyat and carry out effective programmes to fulfil the election promises made by Harapan prior to GE14 last year."
Accompanying Zaidi at the event were state Amanah chief Roslan Ahmad, his deputy Mohamed Yusoff Mohamed Noor and secretary Mohd Saifullah Abdul Nasir.
On Dec 2, the Dewan Rakyat heard that a total of 3,877 fake accounts on social media had been detected while 78 percent had been deleted by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) as of September.
Zaidi also responded to Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow's declaration on Sunday that Penang has achieved 70 percent of the state Harapan's 68-point election manifesto.
Amanah pointed out that Penang had been allocated RM60.05 million for the development of Islam in the state where RM32.46 million had been dedicated to departments dealing in Islamic affairs.
Penang Amanah's new line-up has been effective since Nov 23 after 119 delegates voted in the state party internal polls.
The party had held its national AGM on Dec 8, retaining Mohamad Sabu as party president for the 2019-2022 term.
Meanwhile, Roslan said Harapan needed to diligently fight fake news with facts and figures.
"Some people may not accept it but the majority can accept our clarification if it is based on facts and figures," he said.
"We are happy that so far, the official information in the state organ Buletin Mutiara has been able to reach the grassroots," he added.
Amanah has two assemblypersons (Bayan Lepas and Permatang Pasir) in Penang, and four local councillors - two each in the Penang Island City Council and the Seberang Perai City Council.
The party also has 56 members in the village community management councils (MPKK) which is under the federal Rural Development Ministry.
"This is where our strength lies as we are able to share the correct information with the grassroots via our MPKK members," said Mohamed Yusof, who is also the party's Tanjong chief.
The Penang Amanah leadership said they will be meeting Chow to discuss how the party can help further strengthen Harapan in Penang.
Asked if party leaders will be negotiating for more seats in GE15 slated for 2023, Rosli replied, "Every party will request for more seats but it depends on the situation".
Penang comprises 19 DAP state seats, PKR (14), Amanah (2), Bersatu (2), Umno (2) and PAS (1). Harapan won 11 out of the state's 13 parliament seats with the remaining two seats taken by Umno.
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