LABUAN, Feb 28 ― The Umno social media and information technology (IT) bureaus should be equipped with knowledge and keep abreast with current development to be able to ward off unfounded allegations and fake news which are deliberately created to smear the image of the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) government.

Umno information technology bureau chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said this was important in view of the impending general election.

"We want to see all Umno social media and IT bureaus across the country play an active role in disseminating information on government's  programmes that benefit the people at large,” he told Bernama after visiting  a noodle factory here today.

The Umno Supreme council member said party members, especially those hoping to become election candidates,  should be IT-literacy and be actively involved in the social media like WhatsApp, telegram, tweeter, Instagram and Facebook.

Ahmad said this was important as the social media played significant role in political campaigns.

He said the social media platform could help political leaders, especially potential candidates, to reach out to the people at all levels, especially youth.

Ahmad said the impending election would see increase in slanders and unfounded allegations from various parties and that must be effectively addressed by the Umno social media and IT bureaus.

He reminded social media users not to  abuse, but ethically use, the platform in sharing verified news and information.

"We must not simply share unverified or fake news that will only lead to repercussions and confusion among the people,” he said.

Ahmad said the fake news and slanders were not created by BN machinery but by those who were  "bankrupt of issues”. ― Bernama