KUCHING: Rural folk should not believe in entirety all postings they come across on social media, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
“They must be very discerning when they see, particularly those sensational postings usually involving top political leaders.
“The creators, leveraging (on) Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, are capable of creating a lot of things,” he said.
Uggah, who is Bukit Saban assemblyman, said this AI technology can be a blessing and at the same time a curse and is very disruptive and destructive.
Uggah said this at a Gawai “Ngiling Bidai” gathering organised for his Bukit Saban Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu( PBB) leaders and members here today (June 30).
“We have come across and prior to the recent Gawai Dayak celebration, current American President Joe Biden conveying his Gawai Dayak greeting.
“Similarly, there was also another clip where the former president Donald Trump had done the same thing.
“What is both stunning and mind-blowing is that both of them had spoken in perfect Iban for the short message,” he said.
According to Uggah this was the beauty and at the same time the absolute danger of such technology if misused.
“Imagine if such technology were exploited during the campaigning period of any general election.
“The false news created can result in confusion, suspicion, hatred and rejection. So my advice to all mobile phone owners is to be very discerning when coming across such faked news postings,” he said.
On a separate issue, Uggah called on his PBB grassroots leaders and members to find new ways and means to keep the party always strong and united
“This is part of your preparations in facing the next state elections. We must not be caught in a situation where we are complacent and unprepared.
“This can be exploited by our opponents,” he said.
Earlier, Betong MP Dr Richard Rapu stressed on the need for longhouse and village chiefs, members of their respective development and security committees and councillors to be always transparent and honest in the implementation of any development projects in their areas.
“Please always discuss with your committee members and your followers. Let them know the project cost and specifications, the method of implementation and the completion schedule.
“Any unilateral decision is not the way forward. This can eventually lead to disunity to create more problems for your own elected representatives and your community.
“You can also be running foul of the laws,” Dr Richard said.
