GE16: Era of empty political slogans is over, Zahid advises BN

Summary

• Ahmad Zahid Hamidi urges BN to shift from empty slogans to addressing key public concerns.

• Zahid stresses the importance of modern, data-driven political strategies, such as microtargeting and two-way communication, to replace outdated campaigning methods.

• Citing lessons from Canada, Singapore, and Australia, Zahid advocates for a values-based, inclusive, and efficient political approach that reflects local needs with a global outlook.

BN chairperson Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has called on the coalition to build a new narrative that directly addresses the concerns of the people, particularly regarding housing, employment, and the future of the younger generation, as the 16th general election approaches.

The deputy prime minister also emphasised that the era of politics driven by empty slogans is over.

“Instead, we need narratives that touch on the lives of the people, especially those involving housing, employment, and the future of our youth.

“The key to success lies in restoring trust, not merely increasing vote counts.

“BN must return as a force capable of leading with stability and policies that resolve these issues. Leaders must be statespersons, not just politicians,” he said.

Zahid said this during his address at the “Better Nation Series Four: What We Can Learn from the Elections in Canada, Singapore, and Australia” forum held at Menara Dato Onn in Kuala Lumpur last night.

Zahid highlighted the need for BN to undergo organisational and communication transformation using a more modern, dynamic approach rooted in the latest technologies - such as data utilisation, microtargeting strategies, and more effective two-way communication - instead of merely relying on speeches and banners.

“The public is increasingly aware and wants substance in politics. Malaysia needs a post-polarisation political model.

“We must learn from Australia, Singapore, and Canada,” he said during the forum, which BN secretary-general Zambry Abdul Kadir moderated.

Valuable lessons

According to Zahid, these three countries each offer valuable lessons in the development of modern politics.

“In Canada, the lesson is that a narrative of hope and inclusivity remains relevant if it is delivered sincerely.

“The lesson from Singapore is politics built on efficiency and consistent delivery, while Australia’s is about adapting to current issues and listening to the voices of the people,” he said.

He also emphasised that cross-party coalitions must be built on shared values, and BN must emerge as the pillar of national stability.

“(BN) is not merely a political operator. This forum is not just to learn from abroad, but to develop a local formula with a global spirit.

“BN must continue to embody wisdom, improve its approaches, and build a politics rooted in values,” he added.

Address negative perceptions swiftly

Bernama also quoted Zahid as saying that BN must respond to any viral issue on social media, especially negative perceptions about the coalition, within three hours.

He said unfavourable perceptions of BN must be addressed swiftly to prevent the public from believing them and harming the party.

“We lost in 2018, and again in 2022, because in my view, the (negative) perception about us was too strong and we did not address it promptly.

“Social media must be used as a primary platform, and any issue, especially negative perceptions, must be responded to within three hours.

“We used to reply after three days, sometimes after 30 days, and by then it had already taken root in the minds of the people, even if sometimes the perception was inaccurate,” he said.

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