Kota Kinabalu: Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Vice President David Ong expressed deep concern over the recent surge in fake news and baseless accusations circulating in Sabah, warning that such misinformation poses a serious threat to the State’s stability and unity.
David specifically cited the spread of videos on social media accusing individuals of corruption and making false claims about the appointment of the new Yang di-Pertua Negeri (TYT).
AdvertisementWhile acknowledging that speculation about the TYT appointment is natural, he stressed that accusations against the government without evidence are unacceptable and damaging.
“These false claims, especially when spread without proof, harm the government’s reputation and cause unnecessary distrust,” David said in a statement, recently.
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He further highlighted the economic implications of fake news, arguing that it could deter potential investors due to concerns about the state’s stability.
Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});David emphasised that the TYT appointment process adheres to constitutional procedures and urged individuals with genuine evidence of wrongdoing to report it to authorities instead of spreading misinformation online.
“The government needs to act firmly to address this issue,” David stated. “Those who spread fake news with the intention to discredit the government or individuals should face consequences.”
Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});He called on authorities to investigate false claims and implement measures to prevent the spread of destabilising information.
David also advocated for stronger laws to punish those who intentionally spread misinformation and emphasised the importance of public awareness campaigns to educate people about verifying news before sharing it.
“As Sabahans, we must all be responsible in how we consume and share information,” he urged.
“Let’s not jump to conclusions based on unverified claims and trust the government to handle these issues properly.”
The LDP leader reiterated the party’s commitment to safeguarding Sabah’s rights, fostering unity among its people, and building a prosperous future.
He concluded by calling for collective action to combat the spread of fake news and focus on the State’s progress.