Page 20 - JDPA Volume 02, Issue 02
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Journal of Defence & Policy Analysis Volume 02, Issue 02, December 2023
underlying socioeconomic disparities, fostering inclusivity, and promoting inter-
ethnic dialogue and understanding, governments can mitigate the conditions
conducive to the spread of divisive narratives and extremist ideologies. Addition-
ally, fostering collaboration between government agencies, civil society organi-
zations, and technology companies is crucial in developing holistic strategies to
combat disinformation effectively.
7. Disinformation and misinformation of COVID 19 pandemic
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Malaysia grappled with a surge in disinforma-
tion and misinformation, exacerbating public health challenges and complicat-
ing efforts to curb the spread of the virus. False claims regarding health reme-
dies, conspiracy theories about the origins of the virus, and misinformation about
vaccines circulated widely, undermining public confidence in official health
guidance and protocols. In response, the Malaysian government implemented a
multifaceted strategy to combat COVID-19 disinformation. This approach en-
compassed targeted measures to counter fake news, the launch of official public
health campaigns to disseminate accurate information, and collaboration with
technology platforms to ensure the responsible sharing of information online.
While engaging with social media companies and technology entities, the gov-
ernment sought to mitigate the detrimental effects of misinformation on public
health efforts and promote informed decision-making among the populace.
8. Social media and racial tensions
The intersection of social media and racial tensions has emerged as a significant
concern in Malaysia, with instances of false information circulating online exac-
erbating inter-ethnic and religious tensions, leading to heightened public disor-
der. False narratives and inflammatory content propagated through social media
platforms have fueled mistrust and division within society, perpetuating mis-
conceptions and exacerbating existing grievances. Addressing this issue necessi-
tates proactive measures to counter misinformation and promote digital literacy,
fostering a more responsible online discourse that respects Malaysia’s diverse
cultural and religious landscape.
9. Sulu Sultanate claim on Sabah historical conflict
The historical conflict surrounding the Sulu Sultanate’s claim on Sabah has been
marred by disinformation, particularly concerning the complex historical and
legal dimensions of the dispute. Misinformation regarding Sabah’s status as an Is-
lamic state within Malaysia and the historical context of the conflict has contrib-
uted to diplomatic tensions and misunderstandings. To address this issue, efforts
to promote clarity and informed discourse on the complexities of the conflict are
essential, emphasizing the importance of accurate historical narratives and legal
interpretations to facilitate peaceful resolution and mutual understanding.
Faculty of Defence and Strategic Studies, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Sri Lanka
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