Blocking Facebook: 'It all boils down to the individual' - Puteri UMNO chief

The public have been urged to practice caution regarding information they read on the internet especially on social media sites.

Puteri UMNO chief, Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin said although she admitted that the use of social media is the fastest avenue for the dissemination of information, those reading it should use their judgement in determining its authenticity.

"We recognize that Malaysians are among the highest users of Facebook in the world.

"It's easy to believe what that has been posted, but the fact remains that Facebook can pose a threat to national harmony. We must admit that there are unscrupulous parties spreading malicious propaganda to fit their personal agenda," she told Astro AWANI on Wednesday.

Mas Ermieyati was commenting on a statement by Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek last year who said the government was prepared to review blocking access to Facebook, in view of numerous abuses recently.

Shabery said his ministry will also conduct a study to obtain public feedback on the matter.

In the meantime Ermieyati Mas said, the minister should present the latest research results to the public about the possibilities of blocking access to Facebook in the country.

“There are countries that have blocked access to Facebook but we need to study the matter in country so that it is a win-win situation for all.

"I admit there is a need for technological advancement including the use of social media.

"But what’s important is, users must be wise is using this privilege and not abuse the freedom to create conflict among the people especially when it involves race,” she said.

Citing a warning issued by Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar who revealed there were certain parties who planned a large demonstration if Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak refused to stop updating his Twitter, Mas Ermieyati said, that this a evidence of abuse on social media sites.

"Why use social media to plan a gathering and create chaos? This would pose a great risk to society.

"There were also cases before where users took advantage of social media sites to insult the King and the country’s leaders,” she explained.

Mas Ermieyati said, Puteri UMNO is also in the midst of developing an interactive application that would deliver the latest information regarding the wing’s activities.

"We are developing this application which will provide a platform for Puteri UMNO members to interact. This will bridge the gap among members and provide a fast way to announce our activities," she said.