BARISAN Nasional (BN) tonight relaunched The Rakyat, the ruling coalition’s official portal for the 14th general election.

Prime Minister Najib Razak, who is also BN chairman, launched the website in a ceremony attended by all BN component party leaders.

Najib said BN was the victim of false news that was spread by the opposition during GE13.

“The fact is that fake news was their (opposition) weapon and it had affected us.

“Supposedly, 40,000 Bangladeshis were brought in, claims of blackouts in certain areas even though it was daytime and there were opposition leaders who were tweeting at 4am that they have won when polling hadn’t even started,” he said during its launch at the Putra World Trade Centre. 

Najib said the opposition will repeat its fake news tactics during GE14.

“That is why we have to create a platform that can be used to reach out to the people and provide authentic, fast and accurate news.”

Najib said the portal is crucial in ensuring a win for BN in GE14 as social media has become a valuable source of information for Malaysians.

“All the information in the portal must be authoritative and significant heading towards GE14.

“It will also be interactive where the people can give their views, opinions and ideas.

“The portal will also showcase all the efforts that are done by leaders.

“I want to stress that we have a vision and plan for the country that is systematic and effective. You can depend on BN to determine your future.”

The portal was first launched by Najib on March 29, 2017.

Malaysians can also check out details and profiles of BN candidates that would be published in stages before the announcement of the official election campaign period.

The E-bulletins will be published in Malay, English, Mandarin, Tamil, Kadazan and Iban. – January 3, 2018.