KUALA LUMPUR, July 4 – The media is an important agent in forming good political culture in the country, said Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek.
He said in the post-election environment, the mainstream and alternative meadia must play a part nurturing the public and politicians to accept and respect the decision made by Malaysians.
“If there are quarters determined on being in power to the extent of misconduct, the media can help for it not to happen.
“Despite many complaints on how the election was conducted and disagreement with the Election Commission, they (public) accept reality based on the exisiting system,” he told reporters after launching the Media and 2013 General Election Seminar, here today.
Citing the election system in the United States as an example, which differs from the one practised in Malaysia, he said Americans were able to accept election results well.
Although it was hard to accept defeat, he said the losing party should not resort to violence but instead use a proper channel such as the law, media and court to share their discontent.
Ahmad Shabery, meanwhile, said the public should also learn how to differentiate information received from the media, especially the social media.
“Some information are anonymously spread using poison pen letters. It does make an impact and the people are able to see which is true, which is not and what to believe.
“If they (writers) are not willing to publish their name, then they can’t be trusted and shouldn’t be taken seriously,” he said.
– BERNAMA
