StarMetro spoke to several politicians with a Facebook account to find out what they think of the tool and the benefits they derive from being part of the worldwide web phenomenon.
Datuk Dr Maximus Johnity Ongkili - Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation
FOR Dr Maximus, Facebook is an innovative invention of our time which has reached every corner of the world.
Hands on: Dr Maximus updating his profile. “I believe this social utility can bring people around the world closer as it breaks down barriers and boundaries that separate us.
“I started because my daughter Rachel and I have not seen each other for years.
“Facebook also encourages people to use the computer and Internet, which is something my ministry strives to promote among people. When our society is more computer literate, it would be easier and faster for the government to disseminate information to the people.
“For leaders like me, Facebook allows for interaction with the people in an informal environment,” he said.
He also said he was exploring Twitter as the next step.
Saari Sungib,
Hulu Kelang assemblyman
Saari Sungib: ‘It is useful to dispense information and widen the scope of connectivity’ SAARI uses Facebook as a means to inform people about his activities.
He updates his profile every three days and sometimes gets his sons to help.
“When you put up a story, it generates and captures the interest of various segments of the society.
“It is useful to dispense information and widen the scope of connectivity,” he said.
He said technology was constantly being upgraded and that people should venture into new things.
Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah,
Deputy Higher Education Minister
SAIFUDDIN has a dedicated Facebook Hour, where he interacts live with his friends every first and third Wednesday of the month from 10pm to midnight.
He said his first Facebook townhall meeting was attended by some 100 people and that there were requests for more meetings.
“This is the medium young people are familiar with and it is the latest ‘in’ thing.
“You are able to get comments any time and anywhere from people and students.
“We can chit chat, share photos and emails. It is also fun when the students tag my photo.
Keeping in touch: Saifuddin checking for updates on his Facebook profile. “According to a research done by the Economist, one Facebook buddy has 120 friends, which means you may have access to 120 other people.
“But technology advances quickly. This may be fashionable now but we do not know what could be the next medium,” he said.
He also said it could be the next pioneering networking tool to disseminate information.
Tian Chua, Batu MP
CHUA said Facebook was easy to use with its user-friendly features.
He said due to time constraints, updating his status via the site was much easier than writing blogs.
“It helps to push information and filter things we do not want.
“It is a communication tool that reaches out to a larger group of people, especially with its integrating feature.
“Facebook can be seen as an added value for politicians but traditional ways of reaching out to the people are still essential,” he said.
Teresa Kok, Selangor executive councillor/Seputeh MP and Kinrara assemblyman
KOK thinks that Facebook is a cool social networking service to share thoughts among friends.
“I only have to write a short, simple update on an issue and within seconds I get feedback.
“My messages will be streamed to their feeds immediately and if they like what they see, they can ‘share’ it with their friends and multiply the effect.
“The last US presidential campaign has also shown that the smart use of Facebook by Team Obama went a long way to help their man land the main job,” she said.
Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi,
Dr Mohd Puad: I have made many new friends as well who come with ideas. Deputy Education Minister
DR MOHD PUAD said Facebook was a great way to meet old and new friends.
“It is easy to recall friends whom I have not met in a long time.
“I have made many new friends as well who come with ideas.
“Some of them even express their opinions on what can be improved in schools, especially in remote area.
“Two friends from Sabah had complained about some facilities in a remote school and they showed me pictures,
“I had my officers take immediate action on the matter.
“So, Facebook allows me to be in direct contact with the people and it is more personalised,” he said.
He encouraged more politicians to try out the social networking site as a medium to get closer to the people.
No comments:
Post a Comment