Blogs and SMSes

RAJA PETRA KAMARUDDIN - MALAYSIA-TODAY BLOGGER

Yes, if it’s true what was reported by Bernama, Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Mohd Shafie Apdal did warn that ‘A culture of lies spread via blogs and SMSes, if left unchecked, can destroy our civilization and the country’. Shafie further said, ‘The government is worried because a culture of lies via blogs and SMSes has reached a level that can destroy national culture and the country and thus must be contained fast.’

This message was targeted at Malaysians who believe blogs and SMSes and access their informations through the sources.

In other words, judging from Shafie’s contention, the formula for a safe and even thriving ‘civilisation’ and a secure nation is: people should stop believing in those ‘lying’ blogs and SMSes and instead rely completely on the mainstream media and other government-approved sources of information.

To a certain extent, it is true. However the government cannot stop the public from reading or accessing these blogs, SMSs or other informative related mediums. It is the right of the people. The public on the other hand, must always exercise caution should they want to rely on this information whether via mainstream or alternative media. The public must always remember to use their rational thinking should they want to rely on this information. Not everything that is relayed through the alternative media is correct; the same could be said about the mainstream media. Ultimately, it is the maturity and mentality of the public that will be the deciding facto.

For me blogs are the media to gain informations and political updates. My favourite of course Raja Petra, king of bloggers!