The Special Affairs Department (Jasa) needs to be more creative in facing the coming 14th General Election (GE14) to overcome various challenges, including the existence of social media and new technology.

Deputy Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Jailani Johari said besides meeting the people to further strengthen their confidence in the government-of-the-day, the department also played a role in providing explanation directly to them through social media.

"People can now easily access the news using technology at their fingertips without researching the truth and authenticity. The opposition has taken this opportunity to twist the facts to gain political mileage.

"We hope Jasa can correct the negative public perception while Jasa's Cyber Troopers must be more active in countering the lies in the social media because we worry that fake news will continued to be widespread in the country," he said.

He told reporters this after officiating the closing of Jasa National Convention 2017 here today, which was also attended by Jasa director general Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi.

Jailani said the department must continue to work hard to enhance public support to the government by maintaining the current government in the coming GE.

He said Jasa played a vital role to gain the people's trust so that they do not become easily influenced by the empty promises of the opposition and risk the future of the country.

"The impact of the social media on the people is huge at present and, hence, in conveying the government's message to them, the department must step forward in the dissemination of information accurately and fast," he added.

-- BERNAMA