Deputy minister in the Prime Minister’s Department and Umno information head Ahmad Maslan (right) being accompanied by New Straits Times Press (Malaysia) Bhd group editor-in-chief Datuk Hishamuddin Aun on a visit to the Photo Department’s studio at Balai Berita last week.
KUALA LUMPUR: Umno's weak presence in cyberspace had resulted in the party being unable to reach out to the young generation, said its information head Ahmad Maslan.
Ahmad said this was a reason for Umno and Barisan Nasional's dismal performance in the March 8, 2008 general election."One of the main functions of our information machinery now would be to embark on methods to engage the young people by using the Internet."We are fully aware of the role of the new media in raising political awareness among the young. We must admit that the new media has been very effective in doing so," said Ahmad, who is also a deputy minister in the Prime Minister's Department.He was speaking after visiting the New Straits Times Press (Malaysia) Berhad at Balai Berita here last week.
He was welcomed by NSTP group editor-in-chief Datuk Hishamuddin Aun and other senior officers. Ahmad was also given a briefing on the newspaper's operations and had a closed-door meeting with senior editors.Ahmad said he would be meeting with divisional information heads and the heads of Umno Youth, Wanita and Puteri. The programme will kick off in Malacca on Sunday.The meetings are aimed at finding ways to move the party's information unit on the ground in order to form closer ties with the people."We need to change the negative perception among some in Umno and this is where the information unit can play its role."On the Penanti by-election, Ahmad said the BN supreme council meeting on Monday would decide whether or not the coalition should contest."At this point, there are various views. Some feel we should not contest while others say we must do so. I believe that the supreme council will take all factors into account before making a decision."
Source- NST Online.
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