Najib launches social media group to intensify BN’s cyber campaign

(The Star) – Barisan Nasional is stepping up its cyber campaign with the launch of 1Malaysia Social Media Volunteers (myVO1CE), a loose group of social media practitioners who will voluntarily explain the Government’s policies and defend them online.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who launched myVO1CE Sunday, said with the advent of social media, the time had come for Barisan to relook its methods of disseminating information to the public.

“Social media will enable us to engage with the public directly.

“Last time, getting information across to the people on the ground meant going to an open field and asking the Information Department to set up a stage and microphones,” he said at the 1Malaysia Social Media Convention in Putra World Trade Centre here.

At the first ever such convention, Najib also gave the pro-Barisan social media users “official recognition”, calling them the new army for the party in the virtual world.

“So this is your role as cyber warriors. Our social media army can ‘turun padang’ (get to the ground), but not by rolling up your sleeves and trouser legs.

“Bring out your iPads, iPhones, Blackberries and laptops. These are our weapons as the cyber warriors,” he said to applause by the some 2,000 participants.

Meanwhile, one of the convention’s committee members, Hulu Selangor MP P. Kamalanathan, reminded social media users and bloggers on both sides of the political divide to remain ethical.