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[PHOTOS] Not forgetting the old, celebrating the new: candidates campaign in Melaka

Old stumping methods remain, even as political parties also use new technologies

Updated 2 years ago · Published on 09 Nov 2021 10:26PM

[PHOTOS] Not forgetting the old, celebrating the new: candidates campaign in Melaka — In the spirit of his motto ‘tak ramai, tapi ada’ (though few, there still are people), Adam Adli shows the difference between government and opposition political parties in conducting campaigns. – Adam Adli Twitter pic, November 9, 2021

by Mohd Hazli ‘Bobo’ Hassan

KUALA LUMPUR - While playing the Panji Keadilan song, an old campaign song by Hasmi Hashim, a group of young lads led by former student activist Adam Adli, who is now entering politics with PKR, drove around Melaka in a small white Suzuki van known as “Kotak Panas” (hot box), carrying a Pakatan Harapan flag.

This traditional method of campaigning used by this group of youths remains relevant, even though some political parties have started using new technology according to their abilities in campaigning.

Adam’s method will certainly not be able to match the great machinery of the ruling parties in campaigning; however, the latter is not guaranteed to win the hearts of voters either.

Competing political parties in the Melaka election have begun to use various means in campaigning, after the Health Ministry warned them against holding mass rallies due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

In terms of technology, those with good finances will use all the new facilities and technologies they have to convey information on the contesting candidates.

However, the old methods are still used, including raising flags and billboards with pictures of candidates contesting, because this is still seen as relevant.

This is what Adam did – even though he used a small van, he was able to attract voters due to his uniqueness and creativity. That alone can win the hearts of a small percentage of voters, especially since young voters these days are interested in retro aesthetics and receive information in various creative forms.

Adam’s efforts also saw some success after the picture of his small van, which his friend Oma Mohamad bought at RM5,000, went viral on social media.

The Vibes photographers AZIM RAHMAN and ALIF OMAR travelled with Adam all over Melaka to see how the political parties competed in campaigning. – The Vibes, November 9, 2021

A Pakatan Harapan lorry with LED displays to facilitate campaigns bound by strict standard operating procedures. – AZIM RAHMAN/The Vibes pic, November 9, 2021

Using current technologies, political parties hope to convey as much as possible to voters during their 12 days of campaigning. – AZIM RAHMAN/The Vibes pic, November 9, 2021

Flags are still used in campaigning, to give a better impact ahead of the election. – ALIF OMAR/The Vibes pic, November 9, 2021

Putting up political party flags at night is a time-honoured tradition for party volunteers. – ALIF OMAR/The Vibes pic, November 9, 2021

Campaigns using flags and billboards reimain relevant despite strict SOPs imposed on political parties. – ALIF OMAR/The Vibes pic, November 9, 2021

Billboards will provide constituents graphic, bright introductions to candidates. – AZIM RAHMAN/The Vibes pic, November 9, 2021

Former chief minister Adly Zahari defending his Bukit Katil seat using a more traditional method of campaigning. – Adly Zahari Facebook pic, November 9, 2021

As a resident of Merlimau, Muhamad Akmal Salleh uses more personal campaigning tactics to reach voters he already knows due to having a health clinic in that area. – Akmal Salleh Facebook pic, November 9, 2021

During election season, those contesting are automatically able to put on different hats as needed. – Adly Zahari Facebook pic, November 9, 2021

Old but gold, flags remain evergreen throughout the ages. – AZIM RAHMAN/The Vibes pic, November 9, 2021

Ada. tak besar. bawa besar-besar tak boleh kempen pun tak guna

Di belakang tabir
Video : @nurhadimohd https://t.co/ZZgvSbHYyi pic.twitter.com/vkeK24yTb7
— Oma (@OrgUtn_) November 8, 2021