KUALA LUMPUR – The Communications and Multimedia Ministry has issued a denial on reports that its minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah had given instructions to all ministerial staff to ‘like’ and ‘share’ social media posts on his account as well as those on his deputy’s.
In a statement in response to the allegation made in a post shared by former Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin, the ministry stated that there was no such instruction from Saifuddin.
“The Communications and Multimedia Ministry would like to deny the allegations. There has been no instruction issued by the minister on this matter.
“The ministry also encourages the participation of its staff to support its efforts in disseminating information to the public, including through social media platforms,” said the statement.
The post, which went viral recently, alleged that Saifuddin had “forced” everyone under his ministry, including agencies within his purview, to “like” and “share” posts made by himself and deputy minister Datuk Zahidi Zainul Abidin.
Furthermore, the accusation claimed that staff without Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts were asked to create one and provide links to their social media accounts so they can be monitored by “a team”.
Umno veteran Khaled had said in sharing the post: “I thought someone’s ‘like’ comes naturally, it seems it can be forced.” – The Vibes, April 21, 2021
