PRIME Minister Najib Razak today slammed those who spread fake news and propaganda against his government on social media.

He said claims that Malaysia was becoming a failed state were easily disproved by simple fact-checking.

“I appreciate constructive feedback. The government listens to the people’s views. Their lives and safety are always a priority.

“However, there are those who abuse social media platforms and blogs to spread lies and false propaganda.

“They claim Malaysia is heading towards bankruptcy, becoming a failed state and is no longer democratic,” he said at the Malaysia Social Media Week 2017 programme in Kuala Lumpur today.

Najib said he did not have a problem with those who disagreed with him, but the country’s success under his leadership should not be disputed.

“You can agree with us or disagree with us. But don’t dispute the fact that the (Malaysian) economy grew 5.7% in the first half of the year.

“Don’t dispute the fact that Malaysia is respected and welcomed around the world, from Washington D.C. and Beijing to Riyadh, New Delhi and London.

He said the government made responsible choices, even if they proved unpopular, citing the goods and services tax.

He said it was “tough” introducing GST and removing subsidies, but the moves were responsible and recognised as such by international ratings agencies and global bodies, like the International Monetary Fund and Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development. – November 8, 2017.