The Ministry of Communications and Multimedia (KKMM) is using the tagline 'SIAP' which reflects its preparedness to provide information on the government's policies and counter lies from irresponsible parties.

Its minister Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak said the ministry staff were always 'SIAP' (ready) to receive instructions from the government, party, heads and leaders to fight those who tried to ruin the nation.

"Now, there is only a small group that is making accusations, lies and fake news simply to bring down the nation led by the prime minister (Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak).

"Our responsibility is to fight, we have to be brave in the face of danger...battle. It is not enough just to be faithful or loyal, but we have to be brave in fighting the lies right to the source," he added.

Salleh said this in his opening speech at the Negaraku: 1Malaysia Community programme launched by Najib at Taman Tasik Sultan Abu Bakar here today.

Also present were Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, Communications and Multimedia Deputy Minister Datuk Jailani Johari and KKMM secretary-general Datuk Seri Dr Sharifah Zarah Syed Ahmad.

Also present were Information Department director-general Datuk Ibrahim Abdul Rahman and Editor-in-Chief of the National News Agency (Bernama) Datuk Zakaria Abd Wahab.

Salleh also called on the 1,500 1Malaysia Communities in the country to fight causes through the social media which is a communication network widely used by all levels of society.

"We want this country to remain peaceful. We do not want there to be people who are not only bedfellows but even share the same pillow as former leaders who question our rights, our rulers, our special status and religion.

"Previous leaders have shaped and laid the foundations for racial harmony but some have made a u-turn. But in the end, they will fall over themselves from envy over the success of our prime minister," he said.

Salleh added that 1Malaysia Community leaders and members must realise that the government's survival today depends on their help to improve its image to the grassroots.

At the same time, he said, the people should be cautious and not get involved in the spread of false news, lies, insulting religions, touch on racial sensitivities and instigating others. - BERNAMA