GEORGE TOWN: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said stern action would be taken against the culprit who accused him of wanting to shut down social media.

The Home Minister said he had asked police to investigate the person responsible in making the accusation viral. “I am asking the person responsible to retract such accusation.

“I am not giving any warning. Once the police investigate, the person will have to pay a high price for spreading such untruth news,” he told reporters here.

Zahid warned anyone against making stupid slanders against any leaders or political parties in the social media.

Earlier in his speech when opening the Umno Bayan Baru division delegates meeting, Zahid said the “political disease” of today no longer originated from word of mouth but from the end of one’s fingers.

He said social media continued to spew untruth news to capture the audience’s attention. “The political disease today is one created based on slander from the end of one’s fingers.

“We can no longer depend on existing laws to address the issue.

“Instead, we in Umno and Barisan Nasional have to go all out to win the hearts and mind of the people,” he added.

– http://www.nst.com.my