Almost empty ceramahs a sign of voter fatigue in Selangor?

 

The general reception to ceramahs in Selangor in the first week of campaigning for the Aug 12 state elections has been rather lukewarm.

PETALING JAYA: Ceramahs have been the main stage for political parties in many elections but after a week into the campaign for the Aug 12 state elections, the nightly political events in Selangor have garnered little traction among voters.

Both Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) seem to have found it hard to fill the seats every night, that is until the top party leaders arrive resulting in some increase in attendance.

This is in complete contrast to the ceramahs held during the 15th general election (GE15) campaign last November, which saw many voters showing up early to get a closer view of the politicians on stage.

While some would say that it was still early days for the state polls’ campaign, several members of the public met by FMT admitted feeling tired of “all the politicking”. Some of them simply said they had no time to attend these ceramahs.

“On a normal weekday, I would spend the whole day working. By the time I get home, I would be exhausted and all I want to do is rest. So I definitely wouldn’t go, it is a waste of time,” said a voter in Gombak Setia, who only wanted to be known as Fatihah.

Meanwhile, another voter, Adam Azman, 27, believed that physical ceramahs were no longer as relevant now, especially among youngsters, who would prefer to follow political developments through social media, particularly TikTok.

“I think there’s no need to hold such large-scale ceramahs anymore. (Political parties) want people to come but we’re just not very receptive.

“Online campaigns have a greater reach because we don’t have the time to attend ceramahs,” said Adam, who votes in Lembah Jaya.

Jeram voter Amirudin Amin also expressed a lack of interest in the ceramahs, saying the promises made by election hopefuls on stage were no longer relevant to voters when casting their ballot.

“Young people want (an assemblyman) who would really serve them, not promise the moon and stars,” the 32-year-old said. “We’ve had enough of them just talking and making promises.”

Meanwhile, 45-year-old Hilmi Hassan said he would only show up for ceramahs to get to know the candidates contesting in his constituency.

“I would only go for a short while, just to know who the candidates are.”

Campaigning for the Aug 12 state polls will end at 11.59pm this Friday. - FMT