Don’t be taken in by what you read in cyberspace, Yen Yen tells oversea students

AUCKLAND: Malaysian studying overseas have been told to beware of political brainwashing from home-grown “political extremists” via the new media. Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said these “extremists” were using blogs and websites to influence students overseas to have negative views about the Government. “Do not be easily taken in by what you read in cyberspace of what is happening back home. “Bloggers and writers on certain websites tell you 50% truth that is mixed with lies. “They are trying to confuse the minds of young students, including those studying overseas,” she told Malaysian students at a buka puasa and dialogue session here on Thursday night.

Dr Ng, who is touring Australia and New Zealand to tap the tourism market of the two countries, advised Malaysian students overseas to always double-check with government leaders on the extreme views expressed on the Internet. She added that it was important too for Government leaders going on official trips overseas to meet Malaysian students abroad and provide them with the true picture of programmes like the Government transformation plan, anti-corruption drive and improving the living standards of the poor.

Meanwhile, during a trip to the Hobbiton movie set — near a small town called Matamata on the way to Rotorua — which was the location for theLord of the Rings movie trilogy — Dr Ng saw how the residents had made the town special. Dr Ng said cities and towns in Malaysia could emulate them by promoting their icons to make their mark on visitors. “Ipoh, for example, was the location of the film The King and I. The people of Ipoh should use and build an icon from this to identify itself with the famous film. “Such an identity will attract tourists to the place and make it famous,” she said, adding that many places in Malaysia have historical events and happenings that should be turned into tourist attractions.

-thestar online.