Misuse of IT can wreak harmony: Tengah
LIMBANG: The misuse of modern technology such as Internet to spread lies and rumours will undermine the existing harmony in society, Second Minister of Planning and Resource Management Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan said yesterday.
“The skill in information technology such as the gathering and dissemination of information must be done with utmost integrity so that it will enable the end users to use such information to make the right decision.
“However, the consequences will be disastrous if the people are deliberately misled by lies and rumours spread by irresponsible people with hidden agenda,” he added.
He said this during the launch of the Batu Biah rural library.
His text of speech was read by Bukit Kota assemblyman Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail.
Director-general of National Library Raslin Datuk Abu Bakar, acting chief executive officer of state library Jaffri Bujang Masli, Limbang Deputy Resident Steven Kalong, chairman of Limbang district council Sufyan Mohat and the council secretary Joni Justani were among those present.
Tengah said the era of the borderless world, where information could be sourced from any part of the world in real time, had brought significant changes to the mindset and culture of the people.
“Our ability to get information from around the world in a short time with no geographical constraint has to a great extent influenced our thinking and understanding of various issues including political issues.
“Although this free access to information is a positive development in human progress, it also brings dangers if people misuse that information,” he added.
The minister suggested that public libraries play a more proactive role in organising classes aimed at enhancing the skills of the people in handling information.
13December2009
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