BOTH social media and mainstream media outlets must devise new ways to disseminate information to ensure credible news reaches the young in the country.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said although the youth may be influenced by social media trends, a change in ideology can take root if they are able to consume the right information through media reports.

Anwar said through his sessions with youths, it was evident that they are hungry for facts, for change to take place and for their welfare to be taken care of.

Meanwhile, Anwar agreed that the role of the media in the country cannot be ignored although social media networks have become the more effective mode of disseminating news and information.

He added that the media does not only serve as a tool for the government or leaders to channel information. It is also a platform to for the people to provide feedback and play their role in nation building.

“I have no problems (freedom of the press, media), in fact even in parliament, people (parliamentarians) criticise me and I listen. It’s just that when they ‘spit poison from their mouths’, it becomes a battleground with all sorts of accusations hurled, including using Islam and dakwah (proselytising), so we too must look after our differences,” he said.

Anwar also said that the literature and culture aspects in journalism and media play very important roles in nation building. – Bernama, January 7, 2023.