How did the Najib administration aim to counter negative perceptions in 2013?

Question

Accepted Answer

The Najib Administration's Strategy to Counter Negative Perceptions in 2013

In 2013, the administration of Datuk Seri Najib Razak implemented a strategy to address negative perceptions within the Sino Malaysian community by disseminating information through specific platforms. This involved financial allocations to manage online and print media aimed at presenting government policies and the Prime Minister's actions in a more favourable light. The initiative sought to ensure the Chinese Malaysian community received what the administration considered "correct" information, countering what it perceived as a prevalence of both true and fake news.
Funding for Information Dissemination Platforms

A key component of this strategy was the issuance of personal cheques by Datuk Seri Najib Razak to facilitate the flow of information. In 2013, a cheque for RM246,000 was issued to tycoon Tan Sri Lim Soon Peng. This sum was designated for AD Network, the entity managing the "Ah Jib Gor" Facebook page, and Akademi Kewartawanaan dan Informasi Taima (AKIT), which published Chinese Weekly. These platforms were specifically chosen to disseminate government policy and information, with the intention of promoting more balanced views of the Najib administration among the Chinese community.
Addressing Pre-Election Perceptions and Content Focus

The timing of this initiative was considered strategic, as the Sino Malaysian community generally held a negative perception of the government and its policies leading up to the 2013 general election. The content disseminated through Chinese Weekly was designed to cover a range of topics, including government policies, economics, Chinese education, and culture, with specific attention given to issues such as the Goods and Services Tax (GST). The publication aimed to highlight the positive contributions of Najib's premiership, such as his efforts to assist the poor and support Chinese education.
Use of Personal Funds and Trusted Intermediaries

To maintain a degree of separation and avoid the circulation of government funds online, Najib utilised his personal cheques for these purposes. Lim Soon Peng was selected as a trusted intermediary due to his direct grassroots connections with the Chinese community. This approach aimed to ensure that the funds were channelled discreetly to the operational entities managing the "Ah Jib Gor" Facebook page and Chinese Weekly, thereby presenting government information and promoting favourable views without the direct involvement of the Prime Minister's Office's personal cheques appearing publicly.
Separate Allocation for Community Welfare

In addition to the efforts focused on policy dissemination, a separate allocation was made to address community welfare. On August 6, 2013, Najib signed a RM100,000 cheque to the Batu Kawan Umno division. This fund was intended to support poor university students, contribute to schools, and assist the needy during the end of Ramadan. This action demonstrates a broader approach to engaging with various segments of the community through financial contributions for social and educational causes.

Reading history

Hide →

This history is cleared when the page is closed.

How did the Najib administration aim to counter negative perceptions in 2013?

Loading

Was this article helpful?

Helpful

Not helpful

Report an issue

1

0

0

Share with friends