By Yasmin Ramlan
SHAH ALAM, April 2 — The media and Selangor state agencies must collaborate to tackle challenges ahead, especially those concerning the public.
Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said these challenges arise from persistent queries by the public regarding the legitimacy of the state’s actions and concerns, such as if the government is taking advantage of them.
“The media, government-linked companies (GLCs), and state agencies are not complacent due to the challenges faced.
“We are currently facing challenges from the public, including anti-mainstream sentiments and psychological resistance against the authorities.
“We must mentally prepare ourselves for these challenges,” he said in his speech at the fast-breaking event with the media and state agencies at the Menteri Besar’s official residence yesterday evening.
Speaking to the 400 attendees, Amirudin said state agencies must undertake additional tasks, particularly in implementing the First Selangor Plan (RS-1), moving forward.
“The state agencies play a crucial role and responsibilities, encompassing property development, systems development, and the cultivation of talent pools essential for Selangor’s growth,” he said.
Hence, the state agencies’ efforts in overcoming these challenges, especially involving programmes for the growth of Selangor’s economy and to rejuvenate the state, must be continued.
The Menteri Besar stressed that the approach must not mirror that of the 1980s and 1990s.
As an example, he cited the recent issue faced by Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek concerning a recent viral video on the word ‘kafir’ (infidel).
Amirudin said her statement was not controversial to begin with but was taken out of context in a malicious attempt to tarnish her reputation via social media.
“Therefore, if we arbitrarily follow the trends of new media, social media…it can lead to harm, especially in the absence of control over social media.
“It is harmful,” he said, adding that some statements can be manipulated or spun, which could be misleading.
