Zahid tells UMNO, BN to stop being defensive on social media

UMNO vice president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said said 87 percent of Malaysians were active in social media and the medium should be used to enhance the credibility of the party and the government.

"This era, the era of social media, with borderless sky, there are 30 million people with 35 million mobile phones because some have more than one mobile phone...this is the new wave, if we don't deal with it, we will sink.

"It's time to get back up, now is the time to attack and tell the truth, the government's establishment must be restored," the Deputy Prime Minister said in his speech at the Padang Terap UMNO delegates meeting here today.

Also present was Padang Terap UMNO chief Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid, who is also Education Minister.

Ahmad Zahid said he himself had been the victim of false accusations being spread in social media, with the latest news that he had suffered from stroke last week.

"If I have stroke, how can I come to Padang Terap, Langkawi, Sungai Besar and attended the eve of National Day and (National Day) parade.

"(People) should pray for the good health of their leaders, not pray for bad things, it's a sin, repent immediately," he said, adding that he had forgiven those who made the accusation.

In another development, Ahmad Zahid reminded Kedah UMNO not to get too complacent and should redouble its efforts to win the hearts of the people.

Currently, he said UMNO and BN dominated 20 of the 36 state seats and Kedah had fallen to the opposition in the 12th general election.

Hence, state UMNO leaders and members should self reflect and give full support to state UMNO liaison chairman, Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah, who is also the Menteri Besar, to steer the party machinery.