#Merdeka57 records 1.4 bil 'Twitter Impressions'

Communication and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek said #Merdeka57 recorded almost 1.4 billion 'Twitter impressions' in the social website since Aug 19 until now.

He said the total number showed the oneness of hearts and determination of Malaysians in celebrating the 57th Independence Day this year.

"This showed that Malaysians accept independence as something that must be celebrated by all. It is not seen from the aspect of narrow politics or partioning.

"I also see that those taking part in the Tweet are from various parties, ideologies and races...this is an interesting factor," he told reporters after the 'Bicara Pemimpin' programme in conjunction with Universiti Malaya (UM) Induction Week here today.

'Twitter impressions' refers to Tweet that use the hashtag to generate interaction, sharing and response from others online.

The purpose of # or hashtag that is placed before a sentence is to make it easier to search back a particular thing in the Tweet.

About 3,000 new UM students attended the programme that showcased the country's national figures to instill inspiration and encouragement in facing a new study environment.

In his speech, Ahmad Shabery who is also an alumni and UM Mentor Minister, urged the university students to cultivate a positive spirit in themselves and those around them.

"To become a positive person, all of you must think before speaking, keep an open mind by not jumping to a conclusion, speak with a pleasing language and respect the feelings of others...only then people will respect us," he said.

He also invited the university students to register themselves as 2015 Merdeka volunteers to further enhance next year's independence celebration.

"The recent independence celebration is so successful and we believe in future we will make it successful double fold if there is volunteerism, especially among the young people who are born after independence," he said.