KUALA LUMPUR, May 29- Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek (photo) called for honest and fair communication, and stressed that no one should abuse the network to allow easy connection with others.
He said the communication mode has multiplied in so many ways, allowing information to reach its audience through voice, print media, over airwaves and more.
“Access to information is vital for our children to have a sound education and for stimulating innovation among individuals and businesses – two key steps that are necessary to transform Malaysia’s economy into a successful player in the 21st century’s global knowledge economy,” he said at the Reader’s Digest Trusted Brands Awards Dinner here, tonight.
Ahmad Shabery said quality of communication was vital for national competitiveness and the government had undertaken many initiatives to widen the communication network to make information accessible to Malaysians wherever they are.
However, he said Malaysia was experiencing an information overload of not only facts or educational usage, but also full of unfounded rumours and false statements.
In addressing the issue, he said countries around the globe were promoting self regulation and here, the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission has been promoting positive internet usage through the “Klik dengan Bijak” campaign.
“We must raise our level of responsibility and objectivity to meet the challenge of the Information Age,” he said.
On tonight’s ceremony, Ahmad Shabery said the brands that are being honoured have earned the highest trust of consumers and were recognised as the leaders in their industries.
“This is a tremendous achievement, but this success brings with it important responsibilities,” he said.
Ahmad Shabery reminded the companies to deliver the promise they made to their consumers and always honour their pledges of quality. A total of 107 brands were named winners through Reader’s Digest annual survey, including 16 at Platinum Award label (the highest possible ranking) and 91 at Gold Award level.
“Made in Malaysia” brands enjoy strong popularity among consumers, with home-grown brands named winners in 22 Trusted Brand categories including Maybank, CIMB, Telekom Malaysia, Maxis and PosLaju.
Also present were Reader’s Digest Asia Pacific Managing Director, Walter Beyleveldt, and Editor of Reader’s Digest Asia, Siti Rohani.
– BERNAMA
