NAJIB Razak’s imprisonment will not diminish the social media influence of the former prime minister or that of Umno, experts said. 

University of Tunku Abdul Rahman mass communications lecturer Liew Wui Chern said Najib still has a team to maintain his social media presence while he is behind bars.

“In terms of social media warfare, there is no impact on Barisan Nasional (BN) or Umno,” Liew said.

“Just because Najib is in jail doesn’t mean that they (BN or Umno) are disadvantaged. In fact, he can use this to garner sympathy votes and paint Pakatan Harapan (PH) in a bad light in the upcoming general election.”

He said PH may not have countermeasures to overcome the sympathy shown by the public towards Najib.

Having said that, Liew said Najib’s conviction may have a different impact in different constituencies. 

“In rural areas, PH has no way to make inroads, but in urban areas, it may be able to regain some lost ground.” 

Last week, the Federal Court quashed Najib’s appeal and upheld his sentence in the SRC International Sdn Bhd case.

The apex court ordered him to start his 12-year jail sentence immediately. 

In addition to this, the former prime minister will have to pay a RM210 million fine in default, and another five years of imprisonment. 

International Islamic University Malaysia political science assistant professor Lau Zhe Wei also agreed with Liew that Najib will remain popular. 

“Through Najib’s social media accounts, Umno can attract more supporters and votes,” Lau said.

“Najib’s imprisonment will give Umno sympathy votes.” 

Earlier last month, Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi urged the party to rally behind “social media king” Najib. 

Zahid said Najib has done much for Umno and BN, especially on social media, after the coalition was defeated in the 2018 general election. 

Merdeka Centre research manager Tan Seng Keat said social media has helped facilitate the flow of information and shape the narrative.

“The rise of the internet from 1998 to 1999 has helped shape every political wave in Malaysia,” Tan said.

“PH, when it came into power, had to censor itself and therefore couldn’t communicate well.

“This gave Najib and Umno the advantage. For example, in Taiwan, when former president Ma Ying Jeo came in power, he could no longer speak the way he did when he was part of the opposition.”

As for whether Najib’s social media team will play a role after his imprisonment, Tan said it remains to be seen.

“It may be compromised, because we know it isn’t Najib,” Tan said.

“If any, Najib’s imprisonment will have an impact on the Umno grassroots, but even then, his influence may decline over time.

“We will have to wait and see,” he added. – September 2, 2022.