Pahang PPBM chief Wan Mohd Shahrir Abdul Jalil says campaigning is easier now as even the most remote areas in Pahang have access to WhatsApp.
The internet and mobile phones now play an integral role in the ‘battle of the new media’. (Reuters pic)
PETALING JAYA: Pahang PPBM is relying on the WhatsApp phone application to ensure that every corner of the largest state in the peninsula is being engaged, according to the party’s state chief Wan Mohd Shahrir Abdul Jalil.
Speaking to FMT, Wan Shahrir said WhatsApp and mobile phones had changed the political landscape, making a large election machinery not as important as before.
“We are able to use this technology to the fullest to compensate for ground machinery and are able to reach every user.”
He added that Pahang PPBM had a WhatsApp group where information is shared. Each member tries to spread such information throughout the state.
“Even the less educated youths and those in their 50s are familiar with WhatsApp.
“Those above 50 may also be familiar with WhatsApp but they’ve already formed their own opinions about the government.”
Although internet speed and connectivity could vary from area to area, Wan Shahrir said, even the most remote locations like Ulu Tembeling in Jerantut could get WhatsApp messages.
“If you can find a more remote or rural area than Ulu Tembeling then I’d like to know where that is,” he quipped.
“In 2015, they made a road to enter Ulu Tembeling where before you had to travel there using a boat.
“The funny thing is, even before they got that road they could get internet there.”
However, he added that the ease of internet connectivity was also a double-edged sword.
“Barisan Nasional can also rebut and confuse them. This is the battle of the new media.”
Political analyst Awang Azman Awang Pawi of Universiti Malaya, however, disagreed with Wan Shahrir, saying it was unlikely that mobile phones would have a big impact among rural voters.
“It will affect the rural voters but only to a small degree compared with those in the urban areas,” he told FMT.
“They are unlikely to change their votes unless their children come home from the cities and influence them.”
He acknowledged, however, that mobile phones would play a bigger role in campaigning in this election compared with previous ones. -FMT
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