YOUNG leaders of political parties expect more false information to be spread in the run-up to the general election, saying that this can only be countered with proof and accurate facts.

They told The Malaysian Insight that young voters are easy targets for the spread of false information on social media because it is the main source of information for this group.

PKR Youth leader Adam Adli Abdul Halim said the threat is not limited to young people, but also other voters.

“This is a phenomenon that exists in any social space and not just limited (to) young people.

“We also call this the post-truth era, in which even proven facts and facts are not believed by society, and the truth is always manipulated.

“Since young people make up the main demographic on social media, making us more exposed to this false information,” said the former student activist.

He said PKR Youth will, among others, ensure slanderous statements spread can be answered using facts as a strategy to deal with false information.

“Especially during the campaigning period, we do expect there to be a significant increase in the spread of (distorted) information.

“In politics, the spread of false information is often aimed at discrediting the opponent with slander and untruths, including character assassination,” said Adam.

He commented on the results of a study by think tank Asia Centre, which found that young voters are exposed to the spread of false information that is expected to increase in the run-up to the general election.

According to this study, these voters are set to become the main target of political parties following the constitutional amendment that lowered the voting age from 21 to 18.

The amendment in May saw an increase of approximately 1.2 million voters from the group, who will face the spread of false information.

Asia Centre expects the spread of false information to be related to sexual orientations and association of candidates, corruption, integrity, and attacks on female politicians and foreign interference.

This finding is also a concern for Umno Youth, which said such disinformation would affect the chances of the political party if the young voters are fed up with inaccurate reports.

Umno Youth member Bastien Onn admits it will burden the party in the general election.

“That’s why Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN) are very careful how we reach out to these young voters. Our promises are also things that can be implemented and we stand on facts,” he said.

When asked, the Segamat Umno Youth leader however refused to point the finger at the spread of such false information.

“Both the government and the opposition, there should be a sense of responsibility in carrying out their campaigns and there should be shame in disseminating false facts to win the votes of young voters,” he said.

Being social media savvy

Muda information chief Luqman Long said there is a need to dominate the social media space to tackle the threat of disinformation.

“We must make sure Muda candidates and leaders actively carry out our campaigns on social media. Big problems will occur if Muda does not dominate social media platforms, allowing the platform to be taken over by parties that spread fake news.

“That’s why we are serious when people’s issues are raised on social media – so that people can get information directly from the Muda platform,” said Luqman.

Muda also trains party members and leaders to be friendly on social media to allow their presence to be felt by voters online, not just physically.

“Young leaders should be innovative in their interactions with voters. In today’s age, information is easily spread. In just a few minutes, news can be spread all over the country.

“That’s why Muda has to find a way to innovate. We do a lot of training modules and workshops for all Muda members so they can become social media savvy. It has to be done.”

He added that the clash of ideas, especially involving political parties, also takes place in cyberspace, and youth need to be ready to ensure their social media platforms are free of fake news.

“Our party was raised on social media because we were registered during the pandemic season and the movement control order.

“The flood mission, the Muda registration campaign, the opposition to the failed government of Perikatan Nasional – we mobilised all these on social media.

“Muda is ready to be the leading party to fight fake news on social media,” said Luqman. – September 12, 2022.