TikTok trumps flag wars: Parties woo young voters through social media

Malaysia's main political parties are ramping up their social media presence to draw out young voters and fence-sitters for the general election on Saturday.

- Nadirah H. Rodzi

Using as many platforms as possible, the parties are working closely with social media influencers to campaign, as well as participating in trendy social media "challenges" in a bid to boost their engagements.

"Honestly, it's easier to understand political issues now as more politicians are using social media platforms with the help of some influencers," Nurul Syaline Ahmad, 19, a university student, told The Straits Times. "Complex issues for young voters like me to understand on our own were broken down and made easier to understand."

"It gives us something to ponder and because of this, I've made up my mind on who to vote for," she said.

Malaysia has lowered the minimum voting age to 18 from 21, resulting in more than four million young voters one-fifth of the electorate being eligible to cast their ballots for the first time on Saturday.