THE PEOPLE ARE THE REAL WINNERS
Judging from the current trend, social media will continue to play an important role in shaping public opinion on major issues
So much has been said, examined and debated on official and unofficial platforms. It is now for the rakyat to decide what sort of government they want. If previously voters had party loyalties, this time around the voters may focus on policies that are in line with their aspirations.
MALAYSIANS will cast their votes today for the government of their choice and of the future. The 14th General Election (GE14) that we have been waiting for is finally here. It’s time for us to perform our duty and exercise our rights as citizens of our beloved country. Once we have cast our votes, our job for the day is done. However, our responsibility of ensuring the country’s progress continues in perpetuity.
Immediately after nomination on April 28, candidates for GE14 ‘turun padang’ to rally for support from existing and new voters. Manifestos were explained and promises were made in earnest over the past two weeks while election workers worked vigorously to ensure their party ideologies reached the masses. Arguments and criticisms too, were put forth to convince the public who would be the best to lead the country for the next five years.
In fact, the campaign had started long before nomination day. For months, traditional and social media had been debating on issues in favour or against the incumbent government.
Politicians kept tight schedules too, and have been working hard in preparation for this “mother of all elections”. Netizens alike did not miss the opportunity to participate in online banter and debates on topics including GST, housing, prices of goods, as well as cost of living.
Although the duration of the campaign is quite short, I am of the view that the public has more than enough time to learn, digest and understand key issues affecting them. If they cannot find these issues in the mainstream media, they definitely can in social media. As we know, voters today, whether they are rural or urban, are more IT savvy and have easy access to the latest information. Political parties, too, have aggressively used social media to promote their agenda.
Judging from the current trend, social media will continue to play an important role in shaping public opinion on major issues affecting the country. Research shows that social media will have an even greater influence on youths in GE14 than GE13.
The Digital News Report 2017 found that Malaysians are the world's largest users of WhatsApp, at 51 per cent. The report also found that Facebook and YouTube were also popular with Malaysians, with 58 per cent and 26 per cent users respectively, and WeChat and Instagram, at 13 per cent. NGOs too, would remain as an important vehicle in shaping the thinking of the public.
GE14 is an important national event for Malaysians. Caretaker Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has called it the “mother of all elections”. He is right; GE14’s results will have a great impact on the future of the country.
Malaysia is a country with over 200 ethnic groups with Malays, Chinese and Indians forming the majority. In such a culturally and ethnically diverse country, any discussions on race, religion and politics can create uneasiness among the ethnic groups. Despite the diversity, we have been living in harmony for many years. I believe that we will continue to remain rational as we mature politically. Being matured means being able to agree to disagree.
So much has been said, examined and debated on official and unofficial platforms. It is now for the rakyat to decide what sort of government they want. If previously voters had party loyalties, this time around, voters may focus on policies that are in line with their aspirations.
Yes, it is an important day today. Everyone should vote wisely. I am sure most voters have already made up their minds as to their choice of candidates and parties. I am sure too, that, despite the emotion and mud-slinging, we will be able to accept the results with an open mind.
Once the dust settles, and the outcome of the democratic process is known, we will again see the rakyat as winners.