Safeguard Malaysia’s Democratic System Against Digital Manipulation, Foreign Interference - Azalina

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 12 (Bernama) -- The country’s democratic system must continue to be firmly protected against any form of digital manipulation or foreign interference, said UMNO Information chief Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.

She said the digital political discourse landscape is now exposed to the threat of cyber manipulation, which could undermine the integrity of information and influence public perceptions in unhealthy ways.

“Technology can generate a thousand accounts and a thousand comments. But technology cannot determine the truth or what the people actually feel on the ground,” she said in a statement today.

She was commenting on revelations concerning the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology and thousands of fake accounts on social media platforms that were detected attempting to influence political discourse in Malaysia and spread misleading content.

Azalina said the revelations should be taken seriously, although there is no evidence that the operation had succeeded in changing election results or voters’ positions.

She stressed that Malaysia needs a digital space free from cyber manipulation while remaining open and respectful of the people’s right to voice criticism and differing views.

“UMNO Information urges the public to be more cautious before believing what they read, see or come across in the comments section. Check the source, verify the facts, distinguish news from opinion, and do not allow the number of likes, shares or comments to determine what we believe,” she said.

-- BERNAMA