PKR leader pushes social media campaign to rebuild Anwar's reputation

A PKR leader has launched a digital campaign among party members to reshape Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s public image.

PKR Women secretary Sangetha Jayakumar told Malaysiakini that she had sent out WhatsApp messages to PKR party members - which Malaysiakini had also obtained - on a coordinated digital campaign for Anwar, through social media mobilisation.

She also made clear that the campaign is not connected to the government's recent announcement that Malaysians will receive an "extraordinary tribute" soon.

On July 14, Anwar, multiple ministries, and government agencies had uploaded cryptic graphics on social media touting the tribute, with the catchphrase "Bersama Malaysiaku" (With my Malaysia).

It is not clear what this is about, save for the sudden suspense.

Sangetha said the campaign was necessary to show the party’s support for its leader.

"Yes, the message was from me, and I'm the one who sent it out to the entire women’s wing and the extended PKR network as well. The timing has nothing to do with what the prime minister announced recently.

"We just felt it was time to show support for the prime minister and highlight Malaysia's global regional role within Asean. I wanted to get the women involved in politics and for the women to understand what the prime minister is doing within the context of Asean and Malaysia.

"It was a very grassroots movement and many of our women activists have also been posting," Sangetha explained.

She said PKR Women chief Fadhlina Sidek was also aware of the campaign and had endorsed it.

Party members were instructed to upload photographs of Anwar, either solo images or pictures taken with him, across their personal social media, appearing to leverage the collective reach of party members to amplify positive messaging about Anwar's leadership, at a time when his administration is in turmoil.

The campaign's messaging strategy centres on positioning Anwar as a principled international statesperson who has elevated Malaysia's global standing.

There are also five prescribed slogans emphasising themes of regional leadership within Asean, economic empowerment, diplomatic integrity, and Malaysia's growing international recognition under his stewardship.

The initiative also requires the hashtags #MalaysiaMADANI and #MADANIworks to create a unified online narrative that reinforces the government's policy brand, whilst seemingly demonstrating organised party solidarity behind Anwar's leadership.

Not blind loyalty

Sangetha stressed that the move is "not about blind loyalty."

She said that people should not be distracted when unity is needed to move together as a country, particularly given the worrying external geopolitical factors.

"I think this is to remind the public of the real work that the government is doing, and the leadership of the prime minister. What he is doing is not easy," she added.

Approval ratings

A recent Merdeka Center survey found that public approval of Anwar and his administration had improved, with support rising to 50 percent in May from 40 percent a about a year earlier.

The poll, conducted before the announcement of a sales and service tax (SST) expansion, attributed the gains to perceptions of Anwar’s stable leadership and improving economic conditions.

However, the positive momentum took a hit in June when the government revealed plans to expand the SST, including imported fruits. Public backlash followed, particularly after Anwar’s dismissive remarks on the price impact of the move.

The country has also been rocked by a judicial scandal that some claim threatens to be as bad as the VK Lingam judge fixing saga. It was sparked by a leaked police report involving a senior judge and allegations of judicial interference.

Concern grew when top judges Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat and Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim were not granted a six-month extension after they reached retirement age.

The issue prompted strong reactions, including calls for a royal commission of inquiry from nine PKR lawmakers.

The Malaysian Bar also staged a protest march on July 14, which was joined by PKR deputy president Nurul Izzah - Anwar’s daughter - who echoed the call for an independent tribunal to investigate the matter.

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