KAJANG, Aug 31 — People must build their confidence using knowledge and verified information to combat new challenges including online fraud, fake news, and AI threats, said Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari.
He said the country now faces threats not limited to the physical realm, but also virtually, which could influence the people’s thinking and safety.
He added that the spread of online scams, fake news, and slander, including the weaponisation of different sentiments, could spark fear, concern, and division among the people.
“If Malaysia fails to engender a confident nation and people, we would become a fearful people, we would become a worried people. This fear and concern is what caused our nation to be colonised and taken over by other quarters; due to the lack of knowledge and the (absence) of collective confidence,” he said in his speech at Selangor’s 69th Merdeka celebrations at Kajang Stadium here last night.
Amirudin said that as Malaysia turns 70, the people must be empowered with knowledge, education, etiquette and mature thinking to ensure they aren’t easily influenced by unverified information.
He added that differences within the community should be made a lesson to fortify unity, not weaponised to divide the people.
He also urged Selangoreans from all walks of life to move forward with confidence in their knowledge, ethics and beliefs.
“We cannot continue to blame others. What’s important is (for us) to check ourselves and learn from other races about the strength of their knowledge.
“This confidence is what will power and light Selangor’s future to its (centenary),” Amirudin said.
