KUALA LUMPUR, March 31 – Social and cultural adviser to the government Tan Sri Dr Rais Yatim has described the multinational search mounted for the ill-fated Malaysia Airlines (MAS) jetliner as a testimony that the world cared for Malaysia and its people.
“We have received a lot of help in terms of expertise, defence, research and surveillance,” he said after being interviewed by Bernama TV on the ‘Ruang Bicara’ programme here Monday.Flight MH370, carrying 227 passengers and 12 crew, left the KL International Airport at 12.41 am on March 8 and disappeared from radar screens about an hour later while over the South China Sea. It was to have landed in Beijing at 6.30 am on the same day.
Rais said Malaysia had been commended by various countries, including China for taking responsibility in shouldering the arduous search effort that had reflected its capability.
On uncalled for remarks on the ensuing search, he said it was important for the people to mind their words when discussing about the tragedy, particularly on social media sites.
“What are most needed now are values, a culture of respect towards to event, using appropriate words and adopting the right behaviour.
“The penchant of using harsh words, levelling unfounded allegations and posting irresponsible remarks should be avoided, and this could be intervened by a political will,” he said.
Rais said as the use of abusive words would only exhibit a negative culture and low intelligence among the perpetrators, bloggers should avoid using words that could offend any quarters.
“Although we come from different upbringing, regardless of Islam, Confucianism, Buddhism or Hinduism, we were taught to embody exemplary values in our actions and words,” he said while supporting the proposed introduction of Media Literacy subject in schools to inculcate responsible and polite culture.
– BERNAMA
