Media and Elections

Media and Elections: Democratic Transition in Malaysia

Editors: James Gomez, Mustafa K. Anuar, and Yuen Beng Lee

Publisher: SIRD

ISBN: 9789670960968

Pages: 223pp

Price: RM40.00

Weight: 0.400kg

Media and Elections: Democratic Transition in Malaysiaexamines the central role of the media in Malaysian electoral contests. Thebook unpacks how a potent mix of regulation and crony media ownership inMalaysia has created a mainstream media that is biased towards the rulingregime, especially during elections. Drawing from research into how thedifferent media tried to impact voter behaviour during the 13th GeneralElection, the authors in this volume forecast that the online landscape iswhere the communications contest will play out in the 14th General Election. Inthe run up to the next general election, political opinion continues to bepolarised over social media in Malaysia. This has prompted the government tolegislate the online space which has in turn implications for freedom ofexpression. This book is highly recommended to academics, analysts, civil societyactivists, commentators, election candidates, journalists, media owners, votersand all others interested in freedom of expression and online electoralcommunications is Malaysia.

==================================================================================

This book is aprimer for what is to come in the next general elections as the governmentrealises that the ‘old media’ has pretty much run its course in Malaysia. Italso comes in the era of fake news, something that has been going on inMalaysia under the guise of news for the longest time.

Media andElections: Democratic Transition in Malaysia provides valuable insight into the13th General Election where the online media was the market of ideas and mainbattleground for the government and the opposition. The lessons andobservations from the 13th General Elections will be useful for the next one.As such, this book is a timely addition to any library and for those who wantto make sense of the Malaysian media landscape.

The media hasbecome the main tool to influence rather than inform, and sadly, will be usedeven more in coming elections as Malaysians move from print and broadcast tothat little device in their hand that allows them to read, watch and listen –and hopefully get informed rather than just influenced. Get the book, read itup and know more.

Jahabar Sadiq

Editor, The Malaysian Insight