SHAH ALAM, Sept 16 – Online hostility and animosity stemming from differences of opinion on social media pose a major challenge to upholding the principles of courtesy and morality under the Rukun Negara.
Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Assistant Vice-Chancellor (National Empowerment) Professor Dr Amer Shakir Zainol said the principles should be reflected in daily interactions, including communication in the digital space.
He said differences of opinion were a normal part of life, but the way people handled them determined whether harmony could be maintained.
“Differences will exist everywhere. Even when we talk to the person next to us, there will definitely be differences of opinion.
“But we must return to the principles of courtesy and morality so that we can understand better and act appropriately,” he said during Media Selangor’s Bicara Semasa programme recently.
Amer said the challenge had become more apparent as even positive statements posted on social media often received opposing or negative responses in the comments section.
He said such situations not only affected individuals or certain groups, but could also undermine efforts to build a harmonious and united society.
“Sometimes when we look at social media, the statement given is clearly positive, but when we look at the comments section, there are already people contradicting that positive statement.
“This is where the challenge lies. It is not just a challenge for society but a challenge for the country because in our efforts to build a harmonious and united nation, we are faced with these challenges,” he said.
Amer said society needed to continue upholding courtesy in daily life despite changes in communication brought about by technological developments.
He cited past generations’ emphasis on proper etiquette when visiting other people’s homes as an example of how courtesy was once an integral part of daily life.
The values that had been practised for generations, he stressed, remained relevant and should be instilled in younger generations as they navigated the challenges of the modern world.
“Although we are now facing the modern world, the traditional way of life that emphasises courtesy and morality must continue to be instilled in the younger and future generations,” he added.
