Tweet-savvy ministers bring people closer to govt, says MSMC

Malaysia Social Media Chambers (MSMC) President, Shahul Hameed Dawood said the inclusion of social media-savvy politicians like Khairy Jamaluddin and Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan in the Cabinet enables the government to hear the voices of general public better.

“Social media has started to play an important role for the last five years but with people like Khairy and Rahman Dahlan in the Cabinet, it ables the grouses on the ground to be translated back and be heard better in the Cabinet,” he told Astro Awani after forum session on Post GE13 on Thursday.

He said even though there are traditional media around, social media gives people a direct approach as well as direct activity in terms of those in the grassroot.

“I think by having those savvys of social media in the cabinet, there’s a better hope and belief that some of the critical feedbacks from the grassroot or on the ground will be heard (better) in the Parliament,” said Shahul who is also the President for Persatuan Pemuda Negara Malaysia.

He also strongly agreed that social media-savvy politicians in the Cabinet will help the general public to be closer to the government.

“It’s important, your leader should be able to engage yourself through social media then you’ll be able to understand what the people on the ground are expecting,” he added.

On Wednesday, Rembau MP Khairy Jamaluddin was appointed as the new Youth and Sports Minister while Kota Belud MP Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan, was appointed as the Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Minister under the new Cabinet line-up announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

Like Najib, both men are also known for their frequent interaction with social media users, and with their inclusion in the Cabinet, it will likely invite a more youthful presence to the government.