The prime minister's wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor today reminded the Malaysian public not to easily believe deliberate slander to bring down a leader, an organisation or the country.

She said the slander spread through the social media could be seen as a form of "war" which could threaten a country's stability.

"To spread wide their (perpetrators) wicked accusations, the social media have become their main weapon to confuse and influence the minds and thinking of the public.

"Consequently, the ones defamed continue to be victims and the public fed with untruths," Rosmah said in her speech before handing over Aidilfitri goodies to the Malaysian Armed Forces, here, today.

Hence, she urged the public not to be easily influenced by distortions in the social media and to instead check on the authenticity of the stories or facts posted.

She also said that as a rapidly developing country, Malaysia should prepare its people to be a thinking society.

At the event, Rosmah who is also president of the Charitable and Welfare Association of the Wives of Ministers and Deputy Ministers (Bakti), handed over 20,000 nasi beriani set packs for members of the armed forces who will be on duty during the Hari Raya celebration.

"I am impressed with the state of preparedness of members of our armed forces regardless of when and where in carrying out their tasks and responsibilities with a stoic spirit of patriotism.

"Hopefully with this gift, members of our armed forces on duty at the border areas will be able to feel the Raya atmosphere," she said.

Also present were Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein and his wife Datin Seri Tengku Marsilla Tengku Abdullah, the ministry's secretary-general Datuk Seri Abdul Rahim Mohamad Radzi, and Puan Sri Norlida Abdul Mubin, wife of the Malaysian Armed Forces chief.

-- BERNAMA