Do Not Lose Sight Of M'sian Identity, M'sian Minister Tells Social Media Practitioners

KUALA LUMPUR, March 17(Bernama) -- Local social media practitioners have been urged to instil Malaysian cultural values and identity in their postings. Information Communications and Culture Minister Dr Rais Yatim said the bloggers also need to think of how best to contribute to nation-building. "What should we impart besides reaching out through blogs, Twitter and so on. We must not lose sight of cultural input, identity, and how best to contribute to nation-building. "I am proud of young people who gathered here this evening and I hope they will be able to bequeath a better future for the country," he told reporters after presenting the Social Media Awards at the Putra World Trade Centre here, Friday night. Rais said although detractors would argue on the perils of social media, he felt that its growing influence should be viewed in a positive light for it could harness communication networks among the people. He said social media was capable of becoming game-changer in the character of the community and the face of civilisation. "Hence, it could become the future iconic attention receiver and at the same time giving our country a new stamp of validity and happiness," he added. In his speech, Rais said social media practitioners must choose between hurting others with their write-ups or being serious in their pursuits for the betterment of the people. "We would like to see a better Malaysia with a positive nurture and value system in the multi-racial society doing their own cosmopolitan intermix interactions in the spirit of 1Malaysia," he said. At the award presentation, http://paultan.org was adjudged the best auto blog, www.hazrey.com (most vocal blog), www.ohbulan.com (best entertainment blog), and http://founder.limkokwing.net/bog (best innovative blog). The Social Media Award 2012 was held in conjunction with the Social Media Week and the winners were chosen through polls based on their contributions, achievements and reach. -- BERNAMA