TAKING a page from US President Donald Trump, Prime Minister Najib Razak today told journalists to stop spreading “fake news”.

He said certain leaders’ statements had been misinterpreted and purposely circulated to confuse Malaysians.

“We are faced with what is now known as ‘fake news’. This is especially so with online or alternative media that has influenced Malaysians, notably among the younger generation.

“We must work quickly to combat fake news that has been spread online and is planned towards misleading and causing hatred towards the leaders,” said Najib during a high-tea event with 100 women journalists in Kuala Lumpur.

The event was organised by Malaysian Women Journalists Association (Pertama).

Using his recent visit to the White House as an example, Najib said his statements there had been misinterpreted.

“Some of my statements made during the recent visit to the White House were misinterpreted or spun to confuse the public.

“I said I came (to the United States) to strengthen the economy. But when I said that I didn’t mean we will be putting investments into the US without benefiting from the American economy.

“The statement meant that we are not asking or begging from them. But that we are there as a successful country that can be a significant role model,” said Najib. – September 24, 2017.