KUALA LUMPUR (The Star/Asia News Network): Puteri Umno has set up its own "cyber commando" unit which it named the Fire Ant Front, in defence of the party, religion and race.

Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin, chief of Puteri Umno, or Umno Women's Youth Wing, said the unit's mission was to counter propaganda, lies and slander being spread in social media.

"We realise the seriousness of the situation. We are using digital technology and social media to counter-attack," she said when delivering her policy speech on the aspirations of young women at the Puteri Umno assembly yesterday.

She said the strategy was "to move quietly and extensively and hit when the 'enemy' least expects it", adding that it was possible to set up the unit because Puteri had members from various disciplines, including information technology as well as legal experts and professionals in various sectors.

Mas Ermieyati said the fire ant was chosen because the species set priority on orderly lifestyle, teamwork, resilience, and, most importantly, loyalty to the leader.

She also called on the movement not to be drawn into the trolling phenomenon, where photographs were edited to embarrass people.

"It may seem a joke, but trolling can be dangerous when statements are made with the intention to provoke," she said, describing those into trolling as mentally ill.

Mas Ermieyati also exposed attempts by opposition cybertroops to propagate liberalism, socialism and communism among young Malays.

"They are actively moving using the mask of democracy, using Malay teachers," she said.

Mas Ermieyati said the programmes were focused in the Klang Valley and aimed at attracting fresh graduates.

"They instigate, brainwash and shape the minds of Malay youths to oppose the Government and reject matters enshrined in the Federal Constitution," she said, adding that the youngsters were being conditioned to forget their roots.

"It is sad that the Malay youngsters do not realise that they are being manipulated," she said.