KUALA LUMPUR – With just a scant 48 hours remaining until the state polls in Malaysia, the political arena is ablaze with fervour as both Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional (PH-BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) engage in a final and intense push for votes.
Political parties are now pulling out all the stops to convince voters, utilising a mix of race-baiting, fear-mongering, and issues of unity to create a persuasive narrative. This intricate dance of psychological manoeuvring has the potential to reshape allegiances and support for parties through the revelation of controversies and calculated disclosures.
This has forced both sides to respond by denying them but some supporters have upped the ante by making equally, if not more, provocative statements.
With social media’s influence expanding by the day, the battlefield of psychological manipulation is ripe with opportunity. The instantaneous nature of social platforms allows for the swift dissemination of messages – making it an ideal channel for nerve-wracking tactics to be deployed without restraint.
As the electorate prepares to cast their ballots, it is crucial to understand the impact and implications of these calculated manoeuvres. Leaders from both major camps, PH-BN and PN, are leveraging psychological tactics to strike chords with the electorate.
Kedah PH chairman Datuk Mahfuz Omar sees the PN’s claim that the federal government could change hands if the coalition sweeps the state elections as nothing more than a psychological ploy. Mahfuz suggests this is merely PN’s strategy to maintain their hold on Kelantan, Terengganu, and Kedah.
On the other side, Bersatu’s deputy Wanita chief Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin emphasised PN’s commitment to capitalise on every available avenue to campaign in the final 48 hours. Both physical and online campaigning strategies are being intensified to create a lasting impact.
Voters have become increasingly sophisticated in their judgments, and it is clear that while parties might try to shape their image through psychological tactics, voters will ultimately assess their choices based on a wider range of factors.
Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh, adds to this sentiment, highlighting the ramped-up efforts to strengthen their campaign machinery and instructing members to demonstrate unwavering commitment in their voter outreach.
According to Dr Akmal, a positive shift in people’s support towards BN has been observed in Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Penang, Kedah, Terengganu, and Kelantan.
Race-baiting: a double-edged sword
In the final days leading up to the polls, the deployment of race-baiting tactics by political parties is clearly evident, especially in rural or suburban areas.
By stoking racial and ethnic sentiments, parties seek to galvanise their base and capture the support of specific demographics. These tactics often play on historical grievances or simmering tensions, creating an “us vs them” narrative that can polarise voters.
While these tactics can rally certain constituencies, they also come with inherent risks. They can perpetuate divisions within society and undermine the long-term social fabric, potentially leading to mistrust and resentment among communities.
As the election dust settles, the challenge will be to repair any fractures that may have emerged.
Fear-mongering: the weaponisation of anxiety
The spectre of fear looms large in election campaigns, as parties utilise fear-mongering to sway public opinion. Issues such as economic instability, social instability, crime rates, or external threats are magnified to create an atmosphere of uncertainty – thereby positioning the party as the harbinger of stability and security.
Fear-mongering, while effective in the short term, can have a detrimental impact on the broader political climate. The manipulation of fear erodes public discourse, stifles constructive debates, and prevents a more nuanced understanding of complex issues.
The challenge for voters is to separate genuine concerns from exaggerated narratives.
Race unity issues: tapping into national identity
Conversely, discussions around racial unity are also at the forefront of election campaigns.
Political parties are attempting to project themselves as champions of harmony and inclusivity. By highlighting a national identity and emphasising racial unity, parties seek to appeal to a narrow spectrum of voters.
However, the sincerity of these racial unity pledges often comes under scrutiny, as voters grapple with discerning genuine intentions from mere election rhetoric. The challenge here is for voters to critically evaluate the consistency of parties’ actions with their professed commitment to unity. Such issues are easily inflamed and it can be seen that some candidates speak about nothing but only on racial issues.
This has led many to comment that some candidates do not seem to have a clue about broader state or national issues, yet are popular as they constantly harp on racial issues.
A call for informed voting
The Malaysian electorate stands at a crossroads as the stakes are high in this democratic process. Amid the barrage of messages, it is imperative for voters to exercise discernment and engage in critical thinking.
As citizens prepare to cast their ballots, they must consider not only the immediate impact of their choices but also the long-term consequences of their decisions. By scrutinising the authenticity of the narratives presented, voters can steer clear of falling victim to manipulation and ensure that their votes reflect their values and aspirations for the nation.
The race against time in the final hours can also lead to the emergence of unfounded rumours or allegations that are hard to control. In such an environment, political figures and candidates must remain cautious, realising that the culmination of this intense campaigning period might harbour surprises and unforeseen twists that could sway public sentiment.
In this final stretch, the electorate’s ability to sift through the noise and weigh the issues at hand will be a testament to the robustness of Malaysia’s democratic spirit.
Beyond psychological warfare, the true power of the people lies in their capacity to make informed choices that will shape the trajectory of their state and the nation. – The Vibes, August 10, 2023
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