KUCHING: Social media is the best tool for minority groups, especially the Bidayuh, to remain relevant in the political arena.
Assoc Prof Dr Novel Lyndon of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities shared that this was what he had found based on a study he had conducted.
“My study also found that the use of social media has helped the Bidayuh community to determine their political direction and which party they should vote for, and it has affected their voting behaviour.
“I think social media is the best platform for them to voice out and express their dissatisfaction with issues related to discrimination, segregation, and marginalisation,” he said, adding that this platform had also been used by some political leaders to garner votes.
He said this during an online seminar on ‘2021 Sarawak State Election: Outcomes and Implications’ organised by Universiti Malaysia Sarawak’s Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities on Wednesday (Feb 9).
He said the implication of his study was that the Malaysian or Sarawak government needed to provide a more balanced social media policy, irrespective of political persuasion and across social boundaries, especially concerning the minority groups.
Touching on what would be next, Prof Novel said the Sarawak government should construct more telecommunication towers.
“This is very important so that they will get the young voters. If the Sarawak government can enhance connectivity or accessibility to the internet, I think the young voters will vote for them in the next election.
“I hope the Sarawak government with implement what they have promised to the people.”
