LETTER | Media’s critical role in creating informed electorate for GE15

LETTER | In three days, Malaysians will be casting their votes on their favourite candidates. Online and offline, many issues have been played up by many state actors, including media institutions, influencers and individuals like us, to draw attention to different issues leading to the 15th general election (GE15).

No doubt that the information could serve as a “tank of perspectives” to assist citizens to become informed electorates, nevertheless, more information does not mean more choices to influence voting decisions.

Admittedly, citizens appear to have a range of sources of information they can choose from. The internet and websites elsewhere provide numerous information about Malaysian politics, political candidates, manifestos and even political scandals and corruption.

Though some of these sources could be spurious, the impact could be huge on the electorate’s voting decisions.

Fortunately, our citizens are not oblivious to being duped by misinformation. They are proactive content seekers and create content actively. We have witnessed how democracy and the way citizens engage and utilise digital space have been reframed by platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp.

Hence, it cannot be assumed that citizens will absorb any information they find.

Having said that, it takes a whole lot of effort in framing reporting in the upcoming polls, in which taking the safe side in reporting is no longer an option.

Thankfully, the existence of independent news portals many years ago has forced more critical news reporting among conventional information providers. Whether or not we agree unanimously, conventional media outlets remain one of the most important news sources, besides the non-official ones.

The general election allows all media providers to contribute and shape a reliable and healthy media landscape in Malaysia. Public trust in the conventional media has been on a rollercoaster ride due to social media, which has become a place where people sought after information.

Therefore, by upholding credible qualities and ethical principles, trust in the Malaysian media could be brought back and strengthened.

In the upcoming GE15, the media should engage citizens with political issues. They should be given a fair amount of information and be interested in the election through non-partisan news.

There are a few known strategies that are worth highlighting to inform the public that the media are carrying out their duties as the fourth estate.

Firstly, focus on current affairs and matters of public interest that could serve as a reservoir of issues for the citizens to keep track of.

Engage voters with issues, policies

Issues that were traditionally excluded should be highlighted as they are not necessarily unimportant. Media narratives on these matters could offer citizens a better understanding to encourage them to participate in the election and become an informed electorate instead of merely casting a vote.

Further, debates on issues and policies could also help citizens capture what is happening in the country. Secondly, plurality in news representations where all parties are equally featured to engage readers and voters with political candidates. This could be one of the last reminders of whom to vote for before the polling day.

Next, though providing impartial and independent news could be challenging, it could help uphold objective reporting.

Media should also let our audience speak on the mainstream platforms by featuring their viewpoints through interviews or letters to the editor - because most often than not, the press is the mediator highlighting public concerns to our future leaders.

After all, the audience’s views represent the crust of many layers of problems.

Lastly, seek out reliable sources, fact-check information and sources, and establish news accuracy to become trustworthy and credible media institutions.

Most important of all, it should be reminded that sensational reporting through the negative life of politicians will not leave a positive impression, both on the media and the one featured in the news.

Therefore, media professionals shoulder the ethical responsibility to decide whether issues like this could benefit citizens.

Unlike unprofessional content providers, media professionals should act as a conduit to discern, prevent and counter any misinformation and disinformation.

Growing competition from social media and other channels should not undermine the quality and diversity of conventional media content. Hence, as professional practitioners, the media should continue to uphold objective and critical reporting and let the voters decide in GE15!

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.

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