Prepping for GE 15: Asia Centre Forum Educates Students to Navigate Through Disinformation

“I think this GE (General Election), the political landscape is not only polarised but highly competitive,” said Dr. James Gomez, regional director of Asia Centre, Thailand, and Malaysia.

Five speakers were invited to speak at the report launch and forum, with one who joined through Google Meet.

With the support of Google, Asia Centre recently launched a report entitled Youth and Disinformation in Malaysia: Strengthening Electoral Integrity, discussing disinformation that youths may face in the upcoming 15th General Election (GE15).

“When you turn 18, the government treats you like an adult. If you commit a crime, you will go to jail. If you make money when you are 18, you’re required to pay taxes. And so why are you being treated like an adult but not given the right as an adult to vote for whoever runs your country? So that is the idea behind the Undi18 movement,” said Zaidel Baharuddin, Vice President of the Malaysian United Democratic Alliance.

Zaidel Baharuddin enlightens the students on Undi18.

Source: TU School of Media and Communication / Facebook

Undi18 is a Malaysian youth movement that successfully reduced the minimum voting age in Malaysia from 21 to 18 years old.

Given so many first-hand young voters on board this time, there would be an increase in 5.8 million first-time voters.

Types of Disinformation.

Dr. James shared that there are four types of disinformation.

First is clickbait, which drives traffic by tricking online users. Second is hate speech, fake news that stirs feelings of ill will among communities of religion, athlete, sexuality, and identity lines. Third is political disinformation, which spreads misleading information during an election. Last is foreign interference, a subtle influence to gain political outcomes in the target country.

In an interview with The Inkslingers, students shared what they learned about protecting themselves from disinformation.

“Do your research and always read trustable sources. Do not blindly believe everything on social media,” shared Andrea Tommy Jok, a student who attended the forum.

“The most basic advice hit me the hardest, which was to think before reacting,” commented Zoe.

As GE15 is getting closer, individuals should be cautious of the five patterns of political disinformation.

Firstly, sexual orientation and promiscuity – accusations to discredit the opposition. Secondly, corruption – the most prominent this coming GE. Thirdly, undermining electoral integrity – the whole electoral process is cast as a suspect. There will always be some form of doubt. Fourth, the harassment of women politicians – women are portrayed as overly sexual, untrustworthy, weak, and unintelligent. Lastly, foreign interference – attempts to link politicians with countries and/or groups considered a ‘national enemy.'

Dr. James Gomez presenting the report to Taylor's University students.

Recommendations for strengthening electoral integrity in Malaysia.

Dr. James highlighted several recommendations in the report.

The short-term recommendation is for election commissions to provide professional support, for political parties to make a moral as well as a public commitment not to campaign using disinformation tactics, and for the community to respond and report fake news.

The mid to longer-term suggestion would be for tech companies to be engaged, ensuring that platforms take down false information while working with the election commission, community bodies, and the media.

Ultimately, the long-term recommendation would be for education institutions to roll out media literacy, not only at a tertiary level but across all age groups, not to mention media and content ethics.

During the Q&A session, ageism and its relationship with politics were brought up.

“This is not about the young versus the old. It is not that we want a better Malaysia. I think we deserve a better Malaysia; we can have a better Malaysia,” said Zaidel.