UMNO must master hyperconnectivity - Ahmad Shabery

Umno must master hyperconnectivity to ensure they are not left behind in the new Malaysian political landscape, said Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek.

He said this was a major challenge to the leadership at every level of the party as the mastery of new technology such as the social media would give a mental paradigm shift to the party and lure more young participants.

"Hyperconnectivity means everything is digital, namely, using the internet, which causes us to constantly communicate with others, including in handling the government and in politicking.

"This is the challenge faced by Umno and the world," he told reporters after attending a 2014 National Student Leadership Conference at the Putra World Trade Centre here, today.

The conference, attended by 200 students from here and abroad, was held in conjunction with the 2014 Umno General Assembly on Nov 25 to 29.

Ahmad Shabery said hyperconnectivity had changed the way of communication between political parties and the society, as such, it was important for Umno to communicate via the social media.

"If in the past we have to get a hall, provide food and drinks and hold meetings to meet the people, now, by sending a message via Twitter or posting on Facebook, we will attract and share thousands of views.

"Hyperconnectivity compels more people to shout to get attention. They shout (in social sites) to get attention. Small issues become big, and big issues become bigger," he said.

Ahmad Shabery said oratory skills, which must also play a role, would be retained despite the Whatsapp technological application being used during the assembly.

On the student conference, he said it was to give exposure to the young to exchange views and express sound ideas to lead the national transformation.