Dr Siti Hasmah (standing centre) and other guests in a photo call with the recipients of the MyHero 3.0 Award.
KUALA LUMPUR: The public should strive to become smart and prudent social media users by spreading or sharing positive stories that can boost national unity.
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Wira Dr Md Farid Md Rafik said through sharing positive stories of unity can serve to inspire the community, especially the younger generation.
“Today, social media is an important medium in our lives. However, there are some irresponsible people who abuse social media with the intention of disrupting racial unity and jeopardising our country’s harmony.
“The media should also play an important role in spreading the message of unity because the collaboration and involvement of the media in various languages are crucial in teaching unity,” he said during the recent MyHero 3.0 Awards ceremony in Kuala Lumpur.
The event was attended by 300 guests including the prime minister’s wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali as the guest of honour.
Also present at the event were Malaysian Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry co-president Tan Sri Ter Leong Yap, MyHero 3.0 Award organising committee chairman Datuk Richard Lau Chi Chiang, and Nanyang Siang Pau chief editor Chan Aun Kiang.
The award seeks to recognise the contributions and sacrifices of individuals for their bravery and determination in which their good service demonstrated their virtues, as well as fostering unity among the various races.
A total of 13 nominees made it to the final with Jameyah Sheriff, Md Herman Saidin, Richard Wong Yew King, Norzah Ghani, and Cheah Kim Hock and Rajendran Velu (joint nomination) being awarded for their contribution to the community.
Each winner received RM5,000 as well as a trophy and certificate.
According to Md Farid, the recipients of the MyHero award were nominated as National Unity Ambassadors by the National Unity and Integration Department.
“This appointment also provides an opportunity for them to share their experiences with the community through departmental programmes to inspire closer community relations.
“MyHero award recipients are heroes who have never received recognition from anybody. They are helping, sacrificing and contributing regardless of race, religion and culture,” he said.
Hosted in conjunction with the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Nanyang Siang Pau, the MyHero Award – introduced in 2014 – is into its third edition.
The Borneo Post, See Hua Daily News, Utusan Borneo, Orizon, Sinar Harian, The Sun and Tamil Malar are the official media partners for the award.