Press Statement By Michael Kong:
It is worrying to have leaders amongst the ruling GPS government who publish false information on their respective social media accounts.
Today, Sim Kui Hian is guilty for an incident of misinformation when he revealed on Facebook that a total of 23 people who tested in Sibu could not be contacted. This even prompted him to suggest public shaming the persons should they remain out of contact.
Dr Annuar Rapaee has since gone on record to deny that the 23 people were unreachable. It is unnecessary for leaders to constantly go on social media with unverified news. Even if the leaders, later on, retract their statement or apologise for misinformation, it is unfortunately too late because the damage is already done. Such behaviour will undeniably cause much uneasiness amongst the public and unnecessary stress.
In the United States of America, we have a President who is famous for going on Twitter frenzies. Locally here in Kuching, we have a leader who is keen to go on a Facebook frenzy as well. Sim Kui Hian should focus on his own portfolio instead of trying to gain attention through trigger happy postings on Facebook like the Twitter-happy Donald Trump.
While the social media is a good way to keep in touch with one another as well as the current affair, I urge the people not to post any unverified news on social media and only to republish official announcements from the Ministry of Health.
Michael Kong Feng Nian
Special Assistant to YB Chong Chieng Jen
