SHUKRI EMPLOYING TRUMP’S TACTICS
Independent candidate focuses on social media campaigns to secure state assembly seat
MOHD Shukri Mohd Ramli, an independent candidate vying for the Chini state assembly seat, is using United States President Donald Trump’s campaign tactics to boost his chances of victory.
The 49-year-old blogger said he planned to use social media platforms effectively to swing the votes in his favour.
He said he had devoted many hours campaigning via social media to win the hearts and minds of the people in the constituency.
“Trump had used social media and the Internet to successfully win the US presidential election. With my 22year experience on social media, my campaign will be fully focused on platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and blogs,” said Shukri, who is using the “key” symbol in his campaign.
He said he goes to the ground to campaign, which he does daily from 10am to 4pm. “Some might claim that I put in little effort to meet people and might not be serious about the election, but the truth is, I am way ahead in my social media campaign,” he said at Felda Chini yesterday.
In the 2016 US presidential election, Trump defeated his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton in a tight race to secure the presidency. It was widely reported that Trump’s social media presence and digital campaign were vital in securing his victory.
Shukri, better known by his online moniker “Cucumatkilau”, said besides interacting with voters on social media, he had also been campaigning via his online radio station, known as CMK FM.
“Since I cannot organise any ‘ceramah’, I’ve decided to use online radio to explain my election manifesto to the people. This allows listeners to enjoy music while listening to my plans for Chini and the issues faced by the people here.
“When I go on air, I share plenty of information with my voters so that they can understand me, my aspirations and know the latest happenings in the constituency. Voters will interact with me through Facebook during the live radio sessions and I will read out their messages on air.”
On engaging elderly voters, he said most of the first-generation settlers owned smartphones and had access to WhatsApp.
“The elderly may not surf the Internet or watch YouTube channels, but they are part of several WhatsApp groups.
“I noticed that some of my videos and messages have been shared in the family and neighbourhood groups in Chini... so my videos have reached the targeted voters.”
On his daily routine, Shukri said he only had a five-member campaign team to assist him in Chini so they were unable to hold programmes or cover the ground extensively.
“Even the Election Commission has advised candidates to use social media in the Chini byelection, so I decided to put a lot of effort into my digital platforms. In fact, I have just started distributing my campaign pamphlets on Tuesday.”