IT must have been a social media record of sorts in Malaysia when more than 60,000 people viewed Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s ceramah in Putrajaya on Thursday night through Facebook livestream.

The figure may have been higher as other opposition politicians and party workers also streamed the rally on their respective Facebook pages.

Facebook livestream has become the medium of choice this election season as thousands of Malaysians tune in to keep track of politicians on the campaign trail.

All that is needed is a smartphone, a good internet connection and one can watch a Lim Guan Eng ceramah in Penang or his partyman Liew Chin Tong campaigning in Ayer Hitam, Johor.

As Facebook is global, the feeds are also being viewed by thousands of Malaysians overseas, keeping them informed about what is happening in Malaysia in the run-up to polling day on May 9.

“Being able to listen to the ceramah, and even feel the mood of the crowd there, is truly amazing,” said Sam Wong, who lives in Perth, Australia.

“Being thousands of miles away obviously isn’t a barrier any longer to being a part of the election fever, even if it’s only remotely,” he said.

Political analyst Mohamad Sayuti Omar said Facebook has become a critical tool for parties, especially the opposition, which has no access to the mainstream media.

“From our studies, some 30% of the voters are tracking candidates and their speeches through these live feeds,” he said.

Sayuti noted the older generation in rural Malaysia may not have Facebook but their children will take home the message to their parents.

Amanah’s Media Oren TV channel covers every Pakatan Harapan event in full. – May 6, 2018.