Kuala lumpur: The country's democratic system must continue to be firmly protected against any form of digital manipulation or foreign interference, said UMNO Information chief Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said. She emphasized the increasing exposure of the digital political discourse landscape to the threat of cyber manipulation, which could potentially undermine the integrity of information and influence public perceptions in detrimental ways.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Azalina highlighted the potential for technology to generate numerous accounts and comments, yet it remains incapable of determining the truth or reflecting the genuine sentiments of the populace. Her statement comes in response to revelations regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology and the proliferation of fake accounts on social media platforms, which were detected attempting to sway political discourse in Malaysia and disseminate misleading content.

Azalina underscored the importance of taking these revelations seriously, even though there is currently no evidence to suggest that such operations have succeeded in altering election outcomes or voter positions. She reiterated the need for a digital space in Malaysia that is free from cyber manipulation while still being open and respectful of citizens' rights to voice criticism and hold differing opinions.

The UMNO Information chief urged the public to exercise caution before accepting the veracity of information encountered online. She advised individuals to verify sources, check facts, and differentiate between news and opinion, cautioning against allowing metrics such as likes, shares, or comments to dictate personal beliefs.