Umno Openness Proves Its Willingness To Change

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 24 (Bernama) -- Umno's openness in admitting that the party was lagging behind in using the information communication technology in the 13th General Election, has proven how the oldest political party in Malaysia is willing to change for the betterment of the people and nation. In praising the party, World Economic Forum's information and communications industry director Danil (rpt: Danil) Kerimi said it was not easy for individuals or organisations to acknowledge their mistake, thus this first step is very much welcomed in the hyperconnected society. "In today's world of hyperconnectivity, you must drive to change, otherwise the change will drive us. The fact that Umno is asking a question (on how they could improve in the usage of social media) is a positive start. "In general, not only the political party, but business oriented, non-profit organisations or individuals should adopt hyperconnectivity to stay focused in this fast-changing world," he told a session entitled 'A Swot Analysis' at the Umno International Forum 2014, at the Putra World Trade Centre here, Monday. The two-day forum, themed 'Hyperconnected World: Challenges in Nation Building', is held in conjunction with the 2014 Umno General Assembly, which will kick off on Tuesday. Kerimi said that learning and adapting were the major keys in hyperconnectivity, since technology advancement developed rapidly and caused the influx of information for the people to choose and digest. "Free flown information has took place since long time ago, not because of technology. We as human being have always unfortunately spread rumors or provided missed information. Technology is just a device that allow us to reach more people faster," he said. Hence, it was crucial for one to use his logical thinking combined with a sea of knowledge in consuming an information 'thrown' to them through the social media. Meanwhile, TIME dotCom Berhad (TIME) chief executive officer Afzal Abdul Rahim pointed out that government-related agencies and some political parties should take major steps to keep up with their competitors, be it private agencies or opposition parties. "Hyperconnectivity is the establishment that all of us have to accept. There will be different or slanderous issues played on the social media, but there is nothing we could do to stop it, besides embracing and quickly adapting the hyperconnectivity concept," he said. -- BERNAMA