29 November 2009
Showing posts with label New Media. Show all posts
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Media Analysis: Comparison on the Permatang Pauh by-elections coverage by The Star and Malaysiakini and why independent media is important
This is a seminar paper I wrote for Media Context subject for Taylor's College.
The most important role of independent media is to provide an alternative voice. Discuss.
Media Analysis: Comparison on the Permatang Pauh by-elections coverage by The Star and Malaysiakini and why independent media is important
By Max Koh
Introduction
When Anwar Ibrahim emerged as the winner in the Permatang Pauh by-elections, blogs across the Internet rejoiced at the prospect of the Opposition de facto leader’s return to the political arena. It is, after all, a no simple by-elections. It has been ten years since the exiled former Deputy Prime Minister was sacked of his post, detained, charged in court, convicted and sentenced to 15 years of incarceration (Nain and Wang 2004). His eventual win would signify his return as a member in Parliament and is also closely tied to his bid to take over the government by September 16 (Malaysiakini 2008). His pledge, if fulfilled, would usher in a new Malaysia which for the first time- will see a new administration in place of ruling incumbent party Barisan Nasional (BN).
The sentiments in the online world were particularly significant as at the win was largely influenced by the Internet’s ability to provide an alternative voice to the coverage portrayed in the mainstream media (Netto 2008). At the heart of this independent voice is several blogs and also online independent news portal Malaysiakini to provide alternative views and coverage during the by-elections. The role of independent media could not be discounted in the eventual by-election outcome.
The purpose of this paper is to examine how the independent media has functioned as an alternative voice during this crucial by-elections period. We will examine coverage by independent news portal Malaysiakini and compare them to mainstream newspaper The Star during the by-elections period from 16th August to 27th August 2008. We will then discuss how the alternative voice is important as an agent of democratization, in fulfilling its role as gatekeepers, and to provide as an important alternative source to traditional news sources.
Background
Studies by scholars have shown that mainstream media is likely to portray in favour of the ruling government especially during the elections period. This nature is largely attributed to the fact that most mainstream media is owned or under control of the BN component parties (Loh and Mustafa 1996). Anuar (2003) observed that during the 1999 General Elections, coverage was tilted towards the ruling parties. The mainstream media exhibited favouritism and biasness.
The 1999 general election is especially significant as precedent to that, deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim was sacked by then Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad amidst sleazy allegations of sodomy, adultery, and abuse of power. However, certain quarters perceived the sacking as a top-level conspiracy headed by Mahathir, who had been logging heads with Anwar in certain policies, especially those pertaining to the 1997 Asian financial crisis (Nain and Wang 2004).
Anwar retaliated by going on a nationwide campaign to clear his name and soon detailed cases of nepotism (especially those involving Mahathir’s family), and cronyism (involving business friend of Mahathir and previous finance minister, Daim Zainuddin) emerged. The Reformasi movement begin to gain momentum as Anwar was arrested under the draconian Internal Security Act (ISA), his subsequent “black eye” incident, and his conviction that created splits especially within the Malay community.
However, these allegations and incidents were largely downplayed, if not ignored by the mainstream media, as it begin to lose its credibility in the eyes of critical citizens. The economic and political crisis was not discussed in the mainstream newspapers, and more importantly, the government’s bail-out of selected companies belonging to his children was never discussed. This has led the public to lose trust in the mainstream media (Sabri 2000).
Following that, the crackdown on dissents began with pro-reformasi and pro-Opposition publications having their printing permits revoked. Attention then shifted to the Internet for alternative news. It was at that time, Malaysia’s first web-based newspaper, Malaysiakini, was launched. It describes itself as “an Internet media project featuring independent news coverage, investigative journalism and in-depth analysis... conceived by journalists unhappy with the sorry state of our mass media” (Malaysiakini 2008) and within a year, it received rave write-ups and won numerous international awards (Nain and Wang 2003). The mainstream media continued to be biased.
The pattern did not change during the recent March 2008 general elections. A media monitor initiative by the Centre for Independence Journalism (CIJ), Writers Alliance for Media Independence (WAMI) and Charter 2000-Aliran showed that the biasness still persisted in major print media to toe the line of the incumbent government BN and its candidates (Aliran 2008). The unfavourable treatment of the press was shown when the Opposition won its most seats in history, showing their distrust of the viral propaganda exhibited by mainstream press.
These incidents serve as a backdrop to our study as Permatang Pauh operated in a post-March 2008 media climate. In a talk by Sunday Star editor Soo Ewe Jin (2008) to Taylor’s College students, he observed that the mainstream media has allocated more space for the Opposition party as they have successfully become elected public officials (including blogger Jeff Ooi who runs the influential political blog Screenshots). This sentiment is shared by blogger Anil Netto (2008) who said that various mainstream newspapers are providing more coverage of the Oppositional views. In our study, we seek to investigate these observations and affirm our hypothesis that the independent media is still needed as an alternative voice for several reasons.
Methodology
The study was conducted from 16th August to 27th August 2008; from the nomination day of the candidates to the day after the election results. The extensive periods provide ample and complete resources for our study. We have chosen the mainstream newspaper The Star and online independent portal Malaysiakini as the subjects or our research. We will examine the content of stories published every day and conduct a direct comparison in terms of priming, framing and agenda-setting.
From the outset, we assume that Malaysiakini will be more balance and extensive in its coverage of the elections. The Star, while said to be more extensive in its coverage since the March 2008 results, is predicted to be limited in its coverage compared to its mainstream counterpart.
The study is limited to the fact that only two media outlets are studied in this research. Nevertheless, the choices will reflect the general nature of these two supposedly opposing media. The Star was chosen because it is the leading newspaper with the largest readership in Malaysia (Neilsen Media Research Q4 2007) while Malaysiakini is considered the leading source for independent news (Malaysiakini 2008).
Analysis
In our research, we found that The Star showed obvious bias by the placement of news stories in the Permatang Pauh by-election coverage during the whole campaign period. News about BN activities and its candidate Arif Shah were published in the first few pages and given precedence while news of Opposition is sidelined. Pictures of Arif and BN leaders were featured more in its pages than Opposition members. Even though the Opposition members may be covered, they are often portrayed negatively. On 17 August, The Star’s report ‘Another photographer claims assault’ negatively alleged that Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) members assaulted photographers. The next day, another article titled ‘Unruly behaviour rapped’ appeared where PKR’s supporters were described as vulgar and lewd (The Star, 18 August 2008). Again, the newspaper is quick to portray BN leaders in the good light while accusation against Anwar by various BN leaders appeared on the first few pages (The Star, 20 August 2008).
In comparison, Malaysiakini did not shy away from news that linked Arif to negative elements. A case in example is the coverage of Arif’s brother to a scandal and the questionable procuring of his bogus PhD (Malaysiakini, August 18, 22). Other news angles otherwise ignored by The Star but covered by Malaysiakini was the questionable sodomy claims of Saiful Bukhari (former aide of Anwar who claimed to be sodomised) by the Ustaz who oversee his swearing, an NGO’s protest of the electoral roll, and BN’s ‘phantom’ buses (Malaysiakini, August 18, 22, 25, 26). Even the post-election result news gave unflinchingly supporting the Opposition: ‘Anwar gets big majority, BN concedes humiliation defeat’ (Malaysiakini, August 26) while The Star’s angle on the win was how Deputy Prime Minister affirms that ‘democracy is alive and well’ (The Star, August 27).
For direct comparison, we will examine the two post-election result news stories. In The Star’s main story, ‘Democracy is alive and well, says Najib’ (The Star, August 27) the lead paragraph was already framed in favour of the ruling government. The framing was such that it still portrayed government in the good light and took their comment in precedent of Anwar’s statements even though he won the elections. In a similar story, Malaysiakini opted for the headline ‘BN concedes humiliating defeat’ (Malaysiakini, August 26) which already framed the BN as the losing party and humiliated.
In another article published by The Star, ‘Water bottles hurled at Najib’ (August 27) again portrayed Anwar’s supporters as violent and rude. While this was not covered in Malaysiakini, similar rude behaviour was also demonstrated by BN supporters including a picture showing its members making crude gestures depicting a sodomy action (an obvious poke at Anwar). This picture was published on Malaysiakini but avoided altogether in The Star.
Conclusion
These examples have clearly shown that Malaysiakini provides an alternative view to the news coverage provided by the mainstream media, as exemplified by The Star. This independent role offering alternative view is especially important in this country where the mainstream media is government-owned. McCombs and Shaw (1972) claims that ownership largely creates agenda setting on part of the editorial where “news influences and helps to shape public awareness and debate”.
The government-owned The Star gave much focus and significance to BN while Malaysiakini’s coverage was more balanced and tilted towards the Opposition. While Malaysiakini claims to be non-partisan, the readership proves to be anti-government as can be clearly seen in the Voxpopuli and comment sections. On August 26 Voxpopuli “Anwar a lucky charm for nation” showed how the public supports Anwar while The Star tends to portray Anwar negatively. Agenda setting as influenced by their owners does not contribute well to democracy as it presents an un-directional model to an issue especially during the elections (Blumler et al 1989).
The existence of independent voices such as Malaysiakini provides an opportunity of access to information otherwise neglected by the mainstream media. This contributes to the process of democratisation where everyone has “the access to increasingly professional and cheap tools or production to publish to a global audience” (Gilmour cited in Allan 2006). When the mainstream media is restricted and limited by acts such as the Printing & Press Act and ISA, cybervoice allows marginalised voices and views to be heard. Independent online news website such as Malaysiakini is able to contravene some of the draconian laws in Malaysia. The study has shown that Malaysiakini reported on issues such as Arif’s bogus PhD, Saiful’s unceremonious swearing which will otherwise be not represented in the mainstream media. This information is important in order for the electoral to make an informed and effective decision.
Malaysiakini also allows the voices of the people to be heard in an otherwise one-way communication model practiced by traditional media. The ability for readers to comment allows interactivity and shape the direction and news content of the day. We observed that the Voxpopuli section of Malaysiakini allowed dissenting views while The Star published letters that were inclined to the ruling powers.
While Malaysiakini allowed dissents views to be published, a more balanced practice of reporting would serve the community better to provide a well-represented view of an issue. It should strive to provide a multi-perspectical news reporting which “ideally... encompasses fact and opinion reflecting all possible perspectives” (Gans 2003). At a time when mainstream media’s credibility is questioned, independent voices like Malaysiakini can lead the way towards more effective, respectable, credible and functional journalism.
(1,901 words)
References
‘Another photographer claims assault’ 2008, The Star, 17 August, p.4
Netto, A 2008, There’s a new opposition newspaper in town, online, retrieved 12 May 2008, from http://anilnetto.com/2008/03/15/red-faced-editors-try-to-reinvent-mainstream-media/.
Sabri, Z 2000, Face off: A Malaysian reformasi diary (1998-1999), Big O Books, Singapore.
Soo, EJ 2008, Speech in Taylor’s College, unpublished.
‘Unruly behaviour rapped’ 2008, The Star, 18 August, p.3
Utusan tops as the most pro-BN paper, online, retrieved 14 May 2008, from http://www.aliran.com/elections/.
‘Water bottles hurled at Najib’, The Star, 27 August, p.4
‘Your Say: Saiful, don’t hide behind religion’, Malaysiakini, 18 August, viewed 4 September 2008, < http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/87998>.
Essay: The application of Internet research in the newsroom
This is a written essay for my Computer-Assisted Reporting subject in Taylor's College.
Discuss the application of Internet research in the newsroom.
Discuss the application of Internet research in the newsroom.
By Max Koh
Intro
It is said that Internet has revolutionised journalism in many ways. The advent of the Internet has not only changed what is reported and how it is reported, it is also a virtually endless source of information for reporters to research and gather information. The Internet has also become a far-reaching communication medium that presents all kinds of content in a myriad of formats (Reddick & King, 2001) to its audiences. The reality, said Hatchen and Scotton (2007), is that through today’s interconnected and globalised world, people everywhere easily learn about and are affected by news.
As news finds new ways to be disseminated, the Internet has also changed the news-gathering process for journalists. The vastness of information made available and the myriad of new tools has changed the way journalists work and given rise to new practices such as ‘contextualise journalism’, which facilitates the use and application of multimedia, interactivity, hypertext, and customisation (Pavlik, 2001) and the emerging role of the ‘multimedia journalist’ (Reddick and King, 2001). At the heart, however, lies the term ‘computer-assisted reporting’ (CAR) which Garrison (1998) explains, encompasses anything that uses computers to aid the news-gathering process.
This paper seeks to discuss the role of the Internet as an information resource for journalists. We will discuss the role of databases and other sources of information on the Internet and how they have changed the practice of journalists in newsrooms. We will also look at emerging trends on the Internet that is shaping newsroom practices, as well as ethical and legal implications associated with Internet as an information resource for journalists.
As news finds new ways to be disseminated, the Internet has also changed the news-gathering process for journalists. The vastness of information made available and the myriad of new tools has changed the way journalists work and given rise to new practices such as ‘contextualise journalism’, which facilitates the use and application of multimedia, interactivity, hypertext, and customisation (Pavlik, 2001) and the emerging role of the ‘multimedia journalist’ (Reddick and King, 2001). At the heart, however, lies the term ‘computer-assisted reporting’ (CAR) which Garrison (1998) explains, encompasses anything that uses computers to aid the news-gathering process.
This paper seeks to discuss the role of the Internet as an information resource for journalists. We will discuss the role of databases and other sources of information on the Internet and how they have changed the practice of journalists in newsrooms. We will also look at emerging trends on the Internet that is shaping newsroom practices, as well as ethical and legal implications associated with Internet as an information resource for journalists.
Internet improves dissemination of news
Twenty years ago, the research tools available for journalists were only the library archives, or communicating with sources via phone, fax, or talking in person. Today, journalists have access to online archives, research papers, government websites, forums made available on the Internet. Internet applications such as Facebook, Twitter, Google, and blogs also changed the way how journalists obtain facts and views. Simply put, the Internet has opened up many new channels and possibilities for journalists to gather information. Newsroom culture today is vastly different compared to twenty years ago.
Allan (2005) argues that the Internet has improved news dissemination in terms of immediacy, depth and interactivity. The ability for journalists to deliver news as such is also much owed to the way how journalists have access to a plethora of information on the Internet which allows reporting with depth, immediacy and better interactivity. Allan asserts that the Oklahoma bombing in 1995 was a landmark moment for journalistic Internet research. Within moments a bomb was detonated in front of the Alfred P. Murrah Building, killing 168 people, including 19 children- Internet news sites posted breaking news online. This was especially important as the Internet was still in its infancy then. Discussion forums, eyewitness accounts, and information detailing the event appeared on various sites.
Journalists and news sites such as Oklahoma City Daily and New York Times were able to quickly gather these information; detailed eye-witness accounts, types of bombs used in terrorist attacks, locator map, the latest story from Associated Press (AP), views from experts and put them up on their websites. This particular episode has demonstrated how the Internet has paved the way for journalists to gather information at a faster immediacy and with depth not possible with traditional media. Oakes (1995) observed that journalists were now able to access to information in form of raw news, opinions, and condolences not seen before the Internet. This event presages what the future of online will be, he acutely asserts.
In the coming months, the reliability of information made online increasingly became a matter of dispute, especially pertaining to the circumstances surrounding the 747 Boeing plane crash. On 17 June 1996, the airliner was en route from New York to Berlin when it plunged into the Atlantic Ocean. Rumours of conspiracy theories and terrorist attacks began to circulate the Internet as journalists scramble to gather and post news on the Internet. While these information turned out to be nothing more than rumours, practitioners have observed that ‘there is an immediate acceptance of information on the Internet’ (Canon, 1997). In order to sift through the fact from fiction, journalistic principles such truth, balance, and accuracy are still key foundations. Newsday journalist Ford Fessenden (cited in Campbell 1997) said that the newspaper’s coverage ‘owes a great debt to the technology of CAR where hourly consultation of the Internet and daily querying of safety databases become routine’.
Emerging form of contextualised journalism
As the Internet opens up new channels for information gathering, the role as gatekeepers becomes an increasingly challenging one for journalists. As myriad of information and views are made available on the Internet, it is important that journalists place stories into their proper contexts. Pavlik (2001) describes the emerging form of contextualised journalism, which produces multi-dimensional news; more engaging reporting and complete stories. The multimedia journalist of the twenty-first century then will have to become more skilful storyteller and act as a guide in linking news with a wider set of contextualising events and circumstances (Franklin et al, 2005). The convergence of different digital platforms makes it necessary for journalists to master the different set skills of gathering and disseminating news. Now, journalists not only have to edit the various sources from its various formats, but translate and contextualise them into different formats for dissemination.
There are different kinds of sources available to journalists on the Internet. As the web matures, journalists are becoming more proficient as multimedia journalist in contextualising and separating the fact from fiction; the newsworthy from the irrelevant. In addition to the non-digital resources available (cuttings, archival materials), offline digital resources (CD-Rom, DVD-Rom etc), there is a plethora of sources on the Internet such as databases, blogs, archives, forums etc. However, with great resources comes great responsibility. And the change of journalistic practices.
Greater accuracy and accountability
Alysen et al (2003) observes that the Internet necessitates journalists to be more accountable for their news report. As members of the public have access to the same resources, they can compare news report to the original sources. Therefore, it is imperative that journalists do not misinterpret information or take it out of context. Web deadlines have also become more fluid, compared to reporting for traditional media. Pressure is added to the multimedia journalists who now have earlier deadlines and must also repackage them for different mediums and audiences. The Internet demands for more accurate reports as their stories allow scrutiny by worldwide audiences online.
The rise of citizen journalism
The Internet has also seen an emerging form of citizen journalism. Where once journalistic institutions are seen as the sole authoritative source of news, an increasing number of people are turning to alternative sources such as blogs (Rocky’s Bru, Screenshots) and alternative news sites (Drudge Report, OhMyNews). While some has perceived this as a threat to traditional journalism, Lasica (2003) observes that blogs and organisational journalism work together to produce higher standards of journalism that will benefit audiences and promotes the democratisation of society. Ordinary people can be journalists, thus giving rise the term ‘citizen journalists’. Lasica observes a new form of participatory journalism, as ‘individuals play an active role in the process of collecting, reporting, sorting, analysing and dissemination news and information- a task once reserved almost exclusively to the news media’.
Greater interaction between journalists and citizens
Websites such as OhMyNews allows intense online interaction allows journalists and citizens to work together to provide a more concise and comprehensive reporting (Min, 2005). The new interactivity between readers and news institution through the Internet is exemplified by BBC News during the London 7/7 bombing. Within hours when terrorist bombs exploded on London subways and a bus, BBC received more than 1,000 photographs, 20 amateur videos, 4,000 text messages and 20,000 e-mails (Sambrook, 2005). BBC incorporated images and the different experiences of citizens into their stories. Sambrook further asserts that the new relationship has not only changed how journalists work, but further emphasises the journalist’s role to add value, analysis, context, background and range to the news stories.
New info-gathering tools
This is an exciting times for journalism. As the Internet continues to evolve, so is the news-gathering process for journalists. The Internet offers many tools to help journalists to gather information. Apart from e-mails, forums, and chat rooms, journalists now can obtain information and views through Web 2.0 applications such as Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, wikis, blogs and also Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) (Beckett, 2008). Technologies now allow journalists to work from anywhere in the world, negating even the needs of entering the newsroom. Nevertheless, journalists should operate within the ethical and legal framework as credibility is demanded in this age of information proliferation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is imperative that journalists continue to uphold the standards of journalistic principles and values in gathering and disseminate news. While the Internet has changed how journalists work (and thus giving rise to new terms such as multimedia journalist, contextualised journalism, citizen journalism etc) and opened new ways to gather news, the role and ideals of journalism remain the same. More than before, journalists must be increasingly accountable, accurate, and multi-skilled in serving the public’s interests.
(1531 words)
References
Allan, S 2005, ‘Chapter 5: News on the Web,’ Journalism: critical issues, OUP, England, p.67-84.
Alysen, B Sedorkin, G Oakham, M & Patching, R 2003, Reporting in a multimedia world, Allen & Unwin, Sydney.
Beckett, C 2008, ‘Supermedia: the future as networked journalism’, openDemocracy, viewed on 1 April 2009, <>.
Campbell, D 1997, ‘Untapped Sources’, Guardian, 10 July.
Franklin, B, Hamer, M, Hanna, M, Kinsey, M, Richardson, JE 2005, Key Concepts in Journalism, SAGE, London.
Garrison, B 1998, Computer-assisted reporting, 2nd ed. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, New Jersey.
Hatchen, A & Scotton, JF 2007, The world news prism, Blackwell Publishing, Victoria.
Min, JK 2005, ‘Journalism as a Conversation’, Niemen Reports, vol. 59, no.4, pp.17-19, viewed on 1 April 2009, <>.
Pavlik, JV 2001, Journalism and new media, University Press, New York.
Reddick, R & King, E 2001, The online journalist: Using the Internet and other electronic Sources, 3rd ed, Harcount Brace and Company, Florida.
Sambrook, R 2005, ‘Citizen Journalism and the BBC’, Niemen Reports, vol. 59, no.4, pp.13-16, viewed on 1 April 2009,.
In conclusion, it is imperative that journalists continue to uphold the standards of journalistic principles and values in gathering and disseminate news. While the Internet has changed how journalists work (and thus giving rise to new terms such as multimedia journalist, contextualised journalism, citizen journalism etc) and opened new ways to gather news, the role and ideals of journalism remain the same. More than before, journalists must be increasingly accountable, accurate, and multi-skilled in serving the public’s interests.
(1531 words)
References
Allan, S 2005, ‘Chapter 5: News on the Web,’ Journalism: critical issues, OUP, England, p.67-84.
Alysen, B Sedorkin, G Oakham, M & Patching, R 2003, Reporting in a multimedia world, Allen & Unwin, Sydney.
Beckett, C 2008, ‘Supermedia: the future as networked journalism’, openDemocracy, viewed on 1 April 2009, <>.
Campbell, D 1997, ‘Untapped Sources’, Guardian, 10 July.
Franklin, B, Hamer, M, Hanna, M, Kinsey, M, Richardson, JE 2005, Key Concepts in Journalism, SAGE, London.
Garrison, B 1998, Computer-assisted reporting, 2nd ed. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, New Jersey.
Hatchen, A & Scotton, JF 2007, The world news prism, Blackwell Publishing, Victoria.
Min, JK 2005, ‘Journalism as a Conversation’, Niemen Reports, vol. 59, no.4, pp.17-19, viewed on 1 April 2009, <>.
Pavlik, JV 2001, Journalism and new media, University Press, New York.
Reddick, R & King, E 2001, The online journalist: Using the Internet and other electronic Sources, 3rd ed, Harcount Brace and Company, Florida.
Sambrook, R 2005, ‘Citizen Journalism and the BBC’, Niemen Reports, vol. 59, no.4, pp.13-16, viewed on 1 April 2009,
Feature: Twitter and Malaysian Politics
TWITTER AND MALAYSIAN POLITICS
By Max Koh
Politicians were twittering on the side as MP Nizar was kicked out of Dewan Rakyat minutes after his swearing-in.
Last Monday’s Parliament proceedings saw history in the making when MP Nizar Jamaluddin was ordered out of the hall just minutes after taking his oath as the new Bukit Gantang MP.
The former Perak Menteri Besar was kicked out as he violated the House’s dress code for donning a black headband with the words “Bubarkan DUN (Dissolve the state assembly)” and shouting “Hidup rakyat, bubar dewan! (Long live the people, dissolve the state assembly).
Several Pakatan Rakyat MPs followed suit by putting similar head and arm bands and were ordered out too.
At the same time, another history was being made on the side: opposition MP Lim Kit Siang was busy tweeting on his mobile as the events played out. Prior to that, he asked a few to join him too.
Anyone with a mobile phone and following Kit Siang’s Twitter would have known events in the Dewan Rakyat as they unfolded.
10.11am: pandemonium in hse nizar ordered out of house by speaker
10.12am: 2 other pr mps ordered out of house
10.16am: speaker orders pas mp out 4 wearing headband "bubar dun"
In response, Khairy Jamaluddin would give his own version of events from his Blackberry:
10.18: Opposition MPs defy speaker by insisting on wearing "Bubar DUN" headbands. Speaker warns but ignored, several opp MPs asked to leave.
10.19: Childish, unproductive and a mockery of Parliament.
10.21: Everything started when Nizar ex-MB started shouting "Hidup, hidup" after being sworn in. Grandstanding for the TV cameras. Sigh. Poser.
Pakatan Rakyat’s Jeff Ooi and Tony Pua joined the fray . For the first time, Twitter made its debut in Dewan Rakyat- another addition to the arsenal of media tools politicians are using to reach out of the august hall.
Malaysian politicians are known for their usage of new media tools such as
blogs, Facebook, website. It appears that Twitter is poised to take political ring by storm in the near future.
Politweets and the Rakyat
Twitter is a social network tool where users can broadcast messages to his friends within 140 characters.
The messages are updated and sent to other users – known as followers – who received the tweets via the Twitter website, short messaging messages (SMS) and other external applications.
Twitter is also a conversational tool as it allows users to response to tweets.
Some of the local politicians have been using Twitter to directly reach out to their electorates, making the conversation appear personal and direct.
Among some of the actively tweeting politicians are Khairy Jamaluddin, Jeff Ooi, Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah and Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak.
These updates often appear as their personal thoughts on current events in addition to entries of their daily activities and whereabouts.
Occasionally, they would address personal questions from electorates, akin to responding to a comment on their blog.
Take Khairy’s reply for an example: “Some are good. Some are downright dubious” to Yoon Kit’s question: “Will our Ministries ever be headed by people based on qualification instead of affiliation? Or at least some rudimentary knowledge?”
How is Twitter going to change Malaysian politics?
First, Twitter makes it so much easier for politicians to send out information as they happen. As politicians can tweet from anywhere with just their mobile phones, they could give first-hand accounts of Dewan Rakyat proceedings or public events.
Of course, it would appear that politicians would become journalists themselves by bypassing the journalists to provide first-hand accounts as they happen.
Secondly, because Twitter functions in real-time, politicians can directly answer to immediate questions posed by their followers.
Imagine, if you can pose a question directly to an MP during a debate in Dewan Rakyat?
While the Twittering phenomenon has yet to take the local political arena by storm, there is a surge of users subscribing to the service in Malaysia.
New media entrepreneur Josh Lim found that there are about 120,000 users tagged under Malaysia.
This is a stark increase from 3,000 users as stated by Bruno Peeters (of Twitterfacts.com) in December 2008.
While there are no official statistics, what is certain is that tens of thousands of Malaysians are currently twittering as assumed by The Star reporter Niki Cheong.
During the March 8 elections, thousands of Malaysians logged on to websites such as Malaysiakini in order the get the latest updates on the results.
Imagine the next elections as Malaysians log unto Twitter and its search engine to find out the latest results.
Breaking news couldn’t be any faster unless you were there in the ballot room itself.
Malaysian politicians are known for their adaptation of new media tools in order to reach out to the nation in projecting their thoughts and rallying their support- first through blogs, Facebook and now Twitter.
Kit Siang has about 1,200 followers, Khairy has 930 followers while Prime Minister has about 1,900 followers. Expect to see more politicians signing up for Twitter in the near future.
***
SIDEBAR: GOOD TWEETS, BAD TWEETS
While anyone can simply open up a Twitter account and start tweeting, there is a distinct difference between a good and bad tweeters.
There is a reason why Ashton Kutcher can amass up to 2 million followers while the regular Muthu may have only a couple of followers consisting of family members, friends and colleagues.
Obama became of the first prominent politician to harness the power of social media to become the 44th President of United States.
Part of his success was to engage young voters through his use of social media tools such as MySpace, Youtube and Twitter.
During the presidential campaign, Obama would tweet from his Blackberry to inform his followers about his activities and get support for his rallies.
His tweets would often include links to his website which contains live videos of his rallies or speeches.
Obama’s Twitter page works because he directly engages the followers and invites them to have a personal engagement in the campaign. Today, Obama has about 1.5 million followers where he continues to lobby support for his policies and gather feedbacks and questions.
What Twitter has done is to provide the channel for the layman to directly (or under the impression) voice their ideas and concerns to their president.
Some of Obama’s tweets are:
2:37 PM Jun 10th : Check out the #OFA Health Care Action Center - call Congress, display your support, submit a question and more http://bit.ly/fAu60
8:27 AM Jun 4th : “I've come here to Cairo to seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims” – watch the President’s speech: http://bit.ly/3lWLt
11:42 AM May 28th : Join Organizing for America to fight for real health care reform. Host or attend a Health Care Organizing Kickoff: http://bit.ly/cSMlF#OFA
Obama’s tweets work as they direct his supporters to directly contribute to his policy-making and reforms. Compare this to our very own Prime Minister Najib Razak’s tweets:
4:21 AM Jun 16th : 8.30pm – Felda Dinner function, Dewan Perdana FELDA, Kuala Lumpur
10:48 PM Jun 15th : 3pm - Meetings
6:39 PM Jun 14th : 15/06/09 : 10.30am - Proposed answering of questions at Parliament
Perhaps Najib can learn a few things from his American counterpart about the importance of value-added tweets in opposed as just using it as on online diary of his daily activities.
A good tweeter gives value to his followers.
By Max Koh
Politicians were twittering on the side as MP Nizar was kicked out of Dewan Rakyat minutes after his swearing-in.
On Monday, Twitter made its debut in Dewan Rakyat as four MPs update the world about the Bubar DUN commotion as it happened. MAX KOH writes
Last Monday’s Parliament proceedings saw history in the making when MP Nizar Jamaluddin was ordered out of the hall just minutes after taking his oath as the new Bukit Gantang MP.
The former Perak Menteri Besar was kicked out as he violated the House’s dress code for donning a black headband with the words “Bubarkan DUN (Dissolve the state assembly)” and shouting “Hidup rakyat, bubar dewan! (Long live the people, dissolve the state assembly).
Several Pakatan Rakyat MPs followed suit by putting similar head and arm bands and were ordered out too.
At the same time, another history was being made on the side: opposition MP Lim Kit Siang was busy tweeting on his mobile as the events played out. Prior to that, he asked a few to join him too.
Anyone with a mobile phone and following Kit Siang’s Twitter would have known events in the Dewan Rakyat as they unfolded.
10.11am: pandemonium in hse nizar ordered out of house by speaker
10.12am: 2 other pr mps ordered out of house
10.16am: speaker orders pas mp out 4 wearing headband "bubar dun"
In response, Khairy Jamaluddin would give his own version of events from his Blackberry:
10.18: Opposition MPs defy speaker by insisting on wearing "Bubar DUN" headbands. Speaker warns but ignored, several opp MPs asked to leave.
10.19: Childish, unproductive and a mockery of Parliament.
10.21: Everything started when Nizar ex-MB started shouting "Hidup, hidup" after being sworn in. Grandstanding for the TV cameras. Sigh. Poser.
Pakatan Rakyat’s Jeff Ooi and Tony Pua joined the fray . For the first time, Twitter made its debut in Dewan Rakyat- another addition to the arsenal of media tools politicians are using to reach out of the august hall.
Malaysian politicians are known for their usage of new media tools such as
blogs, Facebook, website. It appears that Twitter is poised to take political ring by storm in the near future.
Politweets and the Rakyat
Twitter is a social network tool where users can broadcast messages to his friends within 140 characters.
The messages are updated and sent to other users – known as followers – who received the tweets via the Twitter website, short messaging messages (SMS) and other external applications.
Twitter is also a conversational tool as it allows users to response to tweets.
Some of the local politicians have been using Twitter to directly reach out to their electorates, making the conversation appear personal and direct.
Among some of the actively tweeting politicians are Khairy Jamaluddin, Jeff Ooi, Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah and Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak.
These updates often appear as their personal thoughts on current events in addition to entries of their daily activities and whereabouts.
Occasionally, they would address personal questions from electorates, akin to responding to a comment on their blog.
Take Khairy’s reply for an example: “Some are good. Some are downright dubious” to Yoon Kit’s question: “Will our Ministries ever be headed by people based on qualification instead of affiliation? Or at least some rudimentary knowledge?”
How is Twitter going to change Malaysian politics?
First, Twitter makes it so much easier for politicians to send out information as they happen. As politicians can tweet from anywhere with just their mobile phones, they could give first-hand accounts of Dewan Rakyat proceedings or public events.
Of course, it would appear that politicians would become journalists themselves by bypassing the journalists to provide first-hand accounts as they happen.
Secondly, because Twitter functions in real-time, politicians can directly answer to immediate questions posed by their followers.
Imagine, if you can pose a question directly to an MP during a debate in Dewan Rakyat?
While the Twittering phenomenon has yet to take the local political arena by storm, there is a surge of users subscribing to the service in Malaysia.
New media entrepreneur Josh Lim found that there are about 120,000 users tagged under Malaysia.
This is a stark increase from 3,000 users as stated by Bruno Peeters (of Twitterfacts.com) in December 2008.
While there are no official statistics, what is certain is that tens of thousands of Malaysians are currently twittering as assumed by The Star reporter Niki Cheong.
During the March 8 elections, thousands of Malaysians logged on to websites such as Malaysiakini in order the get the latest updates on the results.
Imagine the next elections as Malaysians log unto Twitter and its search engine to find out the latest results.
Breaking news couldn’t be any faster unless you were there in the ballot room itself.
Malaysian politicians are known for their adaptation of new media tools in order to reach out to the nation in projecting their thoughts and rallying their support- first through blogs, Facebook and now Twitter.
Kit Siang has about 1,200 followers, Khairy has 930 followers while Prime Minister has about 1,900 followers. Expect to see more politicians signing up for Twitter in the near future.
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SIDEBAR: GOOD TWEETS, BAD TWEETS
While anyone can simply open up a Twitter account and start tweeting, there is a distinct difference between a good and bad tweeters.
There is a reason why Ashton Kutcher can amass up to 2 million followers while the regular Muthu may have only a couple of followers consisting of family members, friends and colleagues.
Obama became of the first prominent politician to harness the power of social media to become the 44th President of United States.
Part of his success was to engage young voters through his use of social media tools such as MySpace, Youtube and Twitter.
During the presidential campaign, Obama would tweet from his Blackberry to inform his followers about his activities and get support for his rallies.
His tweets would often include links to his website which contains live videos of his rallies or speeches.
Obama’s Twitter page works because he directly engages the followers and invites them to have a personal engagement in the campaign. Today, Obama has about 1.5 million followers where he continues to lobby support for his policies and gather feedbacks and questions.
What Twitter has done is to provide the channel for the layman to directly (or under the impression) voice their ideas and concerns to their president.
Some of Obama’s tweets are:
2:37 PM Jun 10th : Check out the #OFA Health Care Action Center - call Congress, display your support, submit a question and more http://bit.ly/fAu60
8:27 AM Jun 4th : “I've come here to Cairo to seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims” – watch the President’s speech: http://bit.ly/3lWLt
11:42 AM May 28th : Join Organizing for America to fight for real health care reform. Host or attend a Health Care Organizing Kickoff: http://bit.ly/cSMlF#OFA
Obama’s tweets work as they direct his supporters to directly contribute to his policy-making and reforms. Compare this to our very own Prime Minister Najib Razak’s tweets:
4:21 AM Jun 16th : 8.30pm – Felda Dinner function, Dewan Perdana FELDA, Kuala Lumpur
10:48 PM Jun 15th : 3pm - Meetings
6:39 PM Jun 14th : 15/06/09 : 10.30am - Proposed answering of questions at Parliament
Perhaps Najib can learn a few things from his American counterpart about the importance of value-added tweets in opposed as just using it as on online diary of his daily activities.
A good tweeter gives value to his followers.
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