The Star Online: Metro: Central
The Star Online: Metro: Central |
| GE13: Candidates in GE13 rely heavily on the power of social media Posted: 04 May 2013 04:35 AM PDT WHILE a candidate can only be at one place at a time to meet constituents, social media plays an important role in helping them to reach out to a wider audience. It is, thus, common for candidates contesting in GE13 to have their own Facebook pages for voters to keep track of their whereabouts and, most importantly, check out their manifestos for the people. Some of the candidates also use Twitter, YouTube and their blogs to get messages across. One Barisan Nasional candidate actively using social media is Datuk Johari Abdul Ghani, who updates his schedule on his Facebook page, besides sharing photos and videos of him engaging with the public. The Titiwangsa candidate said he was able to get news out fast via social media, compared to television and newspaper. "When I visit an area on a walkabout, I share photos on my Facebook. Residents in the vicinity, who visit my Facebook page, then come to meet me personally," he said. Johari added that social media was the way to go for party leaders and candidates campaiging during a general election. Selangor MCA Youth chief Dr Kow Cheong Wei said campaigning on social media was important in GE13, especially to target the voters of Generation X and Y. "Selangor Barisan has a cyber team for GE13, which keeps us in the loop during the campaign period," he said, adding that party members had held gatherings to exchange views on how best to use social media for the purpose, with several basic guidelines put in place. "When responding to criticisms, do not use foul language, demeaning or degrading content, and do not use the same tactic used by the critics," Kow said. As cyberspace is clogged with posts that put Barisan in a less favourable light, a three-step approach has been adopted by the members — explain, equalise and counter-attack. "When the truth is twisted, we do our homework and provide an explanation. When accusations are thrown at us, we ask whether the Opposition is doing the same," he added. Another Barisan contender who is making his presence felt on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram is incumbent Hulu Selangor MP P. Kamalanathan. The tech-savvy Kamalanathan is relying on his smartphone, iPad and laptop to provide updates via social media. Meanwhile, DAP social media strategy adviser Yeo Bee Yin said for now, social media could not replace mainstream media in election campaigns. "Both media target different markets. We have to reach out as widely as we possibly can. "There are people who rely on newspapers as their main source of information. There are also those who turn to social media when the information provided by newspapers is not sufficient for them," she said. Yeo, who is contesting the Damsansara Utama state seat, created her Facebook page a day before Nomination Day on April 20. "I am managing the page myself because it has to be personal. "Social media is all about engaging with your audience, I read all the comments and feedback," she said. Rajiv Rishyakaran, who is DAP candidate for the Bukit Gasing state seat, works closely with his group of volunteers to campaign via social media. The team has been communicating via WhatsApp to transmit and receive real-time updates. Instead of attacking his opponents, Rajiv chooses to focus on himself and what he can do for the people if elected. His messages are inspirational and issue-based. Judging from the number of "likes" and the number of people talking about the page, Rajiv is leading the Facebook war among the four candidates vying for the Bukit Gasing seat. However, he is realistic that the figures can only serve as a yardstick for the candidates to gauge the response from the ground. With polling day tomorrow, candidates have less than 24 hours to find out whether the positive response they receive in cyberspace will translate into votes. For more election stories, please visit The Star's GE13 site |
| Posted: 04 May 2013 04:17 AM PDT TAMAN Templer Barisan Nasional candidate for GE13 Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal took time off from his hectic campaign schedule recently to be part of the Selangor Hockey Association (SHA) inaugural district hockey development programme. The half-day programme, for the Under-12 age group, was held at SK Taman Prima Selayang and about 270 participants, from 24 schools in the Gombak district, attended. Subahan, SHA president and Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) vice-president, said he was committed towards the development of hockey at the grassroots level. "Due to lack of turfs, we are concerned about the future of hockey. However, we are trying to keep things going by creating opportunities for the boys and girls. "Based on the response, we believe we are on the right track,'' said the incumbent assemblyman. National coach Paul Revington, his assistant Arul Selvaraj and former national skipper Mirnawan Nawawi were also present to share their experiences with the participants. The participants underwent various skills challenges and there was also a dedicated station for goalkeepers. Mirnawan said SHA's steps to initiate the coaching programme was praiseworthy. "I am impressed by the turnout. The SHA should continue with this effort and organise similar programmes in other districts as well,'' he said. Subahan, who was the team manager for the Malaysian football team which won the Asean Football Federation Suzuki Cup as well as the 2009 SEA Games, said he believes sports was an important activity to bring Malaysians together. Besides Subahan, Sri Andalas' Barisan candidate T. Mohan is also active in sports. He is the president of Kabaddi Association of Selangor and the Malaysian Indian Football Association. Recently, he organised a football coaching clinic and badminton clinic for children in Klang. Mohan, who is also the chairman of the Malaysian Indian Sports and Cultural Foundation, said the clinics were conducted by qualified coaches. Kelana Jaya Barisan candidate Loh Seng Kok, is the president of the Petaling District Tenpin Bowling Association and he has been touching base with the residents in the parliamentary constituency by initiating bowling programmes. Recently, Loh supported the Petaling Perdana District Schools Sports Council bowling championships. Meanwhile, Datuk Lim Choon Kin, who is contesting in Damansara Utama, and Petaling Jaya Selatan Barisan candidate Sheah Kok Fah are actively involved in squash. Selangor caretaker Mentri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim is the president of the Football Association of Selangor (FAS). He took over the helm after becoming the mentri besar in 2008 as per the FAS constitution. Titiwangsa Barisan candidate Datuk Johari Abdul Ghani, , is the Football Association of Kuala Lumpur (KLFA) vice-president while Lembah Pantai independent candidate Rosli Baba is a qualified football coach and a council member of the KLFA. For more election stories, please visit The Star's GE13 site |
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