Negeri sembilan: Social media continues to be the campaign platform of choice for candidates contesting the upcoming Negeri Sembilan state election, as they step up efforts to reach out to voters ahead of polling day on Aug 1.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, besides engaging voters through walkabouts and the distribution of campaign materials, candidates from Pakatan Harapan (PH), Barisan Nasional (BN), and Perikatan Nasional (PN) have been actively expanding their online presence through Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, Threads, and Instagram.
The digital campaign strategies appear to be tailored to different age groups, with older and middle-aged voters, including 'Baby Boomers', 'Gen X', and 'Millennials', generally more active on Facebook and YouTube, while younger voters, particularly 'Gen Z', tend to favour TikTok, Threads, and Instagram.
Candidates are also leveraging infographics on their manifestos, responses to current issues, daily campaign updates, casual videos, and livestreams to engage the state's 889,490 registered voters, particularly younger and undecided voters.
Reflecting the growing shift towards digital campaigning, many candidates have also embraced TikTok and short-form videos such as Reels and YouTube Shorts, replacing lengthy speeches with Point of View (POV) clips, trending audio, and behind-the-scenes (BTS) content.
For example, PH Linggi candidate Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun has been sharing photos and videos of his daily campaign activities, including performing Subuh prayers, having breakfast with residents, and visiting local communities on a motorcycle.
'Continue serving with honesty and integrity. Insya-Allah, our efforts will be rewarded. Together, let us pray for the progress of Negeri Sembilan and its people. The Pakatan Harapan government has proven its effectiveness, and I hope voters will choose stability,' Aminuddin, who is also menteri besar, said.
PH Paroi candidate Ahmad Shahir Mohd Shah, better known as Ustaz Shahir, has also made extensive use of social media to promote his vision of developing Paroi into a competitive and prosperous constituency.
Meanwhile, PH Rantau candidate Dr Azizul Hakim Mahdi, a medical doctor, has been highlighting community visits as part of his campaign, while also offering free health screenings for senior citizens.
A similar approach has been adopted by BN Rantau candidate Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and BN Pertang candidate Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias, who have been using social media to showcase their campaign activities and engage voters.
Candidates from Perikatan Nasional (PN), Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), Parti Orang Asli Malaysia (POA), Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM), Barisan Jemaah Islamiah Se-Malaysia (Berjasa), and independent candidates have also turned to social media to promote their campaigns and election pledges.
Early voting takes place on July 28, while polling will be held on Aug 1.