BN prepared for war of words

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KUCHING: Barisan Nasional (BN) government is preparing itself for a heightened war of words in the upcoming 13th general election.

Minister of Information, Communication and Culture Datuk Seri Utama Dr Rais Yatim said the Cyberworld would not be spared by the opposition parties to project their messages.

“They will use words that would disperse society. This is their usual political approach. What the government has to do is to make sure the effectiveness of all its programmes and activities. Words have very strong impact on the people, which must be fully understood,” he said to reporters after opening 1Malaysia Community programme and Pos-On-Wheels service here, yesterday.

Rais said that although the oppositions were free to express themselves in the Cyberworld, the laws of the land must apply.

“They must respect the laws of the land, including laws on sedition. We have laws that must be understood well,” he said.

According to the minister, the opposition had so far not openly posted anything seditious although innuendos were aplenty.

“There are no clear actions that can be meted out by the laws. However, I would like to remind all Malaysians, that we are facing a future with surefootedness of the law and the values that we have,” he said.

On officers of Information Department and Special Affairs Department who side with the opposition, Rais recommended that they quit their jobs.

“From the start it has been made clear to them that their job is to serve the government of the day. They are supposed to help the government to convey policies to the people. If that cannot be achieved, the departments will suffer non-accountability and we have to take action,” he said.