If You're A Keyboard Warrior, The Government May Want To Hire You
The government is recruiting an army to combat online racial and political accusations.
By Rohini Rajaratnam — 04 Aug 2015, 04:57 PM
Over the past week, many of our timelines have been filled with most Malaysians either expressing their anguish or dissatisfaction at the government. Some have even put their creative juices to work, producing rather hilarious memes regarding the country's current state.
They have a plan: use their team of "keyboard warriors" to counter racial and political accusations and attacks on social media
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Tan Sri Joseph Kurup said that the group of 50 Pengerak Perpaduan members would be tasked to take up the responsibility.
"Criticism is not bad but it should be constructive. There is just no point making statements just to stir sensitivities and cause problems in the society," he said.
So what exactly will the "keyboard warriors" be doing?
Formed two years ago, members of the Penggerak Perpaduan are responsible not only to answer the online critics but to identify issues that could disrupt the stability of the country. Kurup said that the group also played a part in organising community events and to counter racist and negative comments towards the Government.
thestar.com.myWhy are we having "keyboard warriors"? Well, according to Kurup, this was to ensure that all Malaysians held on to unity
"When there is unity, then there will be development and progress in the country. We also have to be aware of the issues happening around us as there are many parties who want the Government to fall and have been spreading information that could hurt our reputation and image," he said.
thestar.com.myHowever, since the group is only made up of 50 members so far, the Government would need to monitor their work first and then decide if more members needed to be recruited soon
"We have to study how effective they are in the community and only then can we decide on expansion," he added.
Moreover, it's important for civil servants and the Penggerak Perpaduan members to refrain from involving themselves in the agenda to topple the Government.
A little advice from Tan Sri Joseph Kurup:
"Wait until the next election. Everyone will have an opportunity to express what they think about the Government and the Opposition," he said.
thestar.com.my