In the rapidly evolving landscape of Malaysian politics, social media has emerged as a transformative force, reshaping political communities and interactions. By lowering entry barriers for the average netizen, these platforms have allowed a broader segment of the population to participate in political discussions and activism, thus expanding the public sphere which has become a vibrant online space for Malaysian citizens to trade opinions on socio-political issues of the day, beyond the control of traditional media outlets. The democratisation of information and free speech in cyberspace has enabled a wider range of voices to be heard, including those previously marginalised, and has significant implications for traditional power structures and political parties, which must now navigate a more fragmented and decentralised media landscape.

The book volume Social Media and Political Communities in Malaysia, edited by James Chin and Pauline Pooi Yin Leong, offers a comprehensive exploration of how online communities built on social media platforms have influenced political engagement, identity formation, and community dynamics within the country’s diverse political landscape. While social media has been touted to be the technological tool to bring people together, ironically it has enabled the formation of niche political groups and movements that reflect the ethnic, religious and communal cleavages in Malaysian society. By examining six distinct online political communities in Malaysia – Malay, Islamic, Chinese, Indian, East Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak) and Christian – the book chapters delve into the complexities of online political discourse and provide a nuanced examination of the intersection between social media and politics in Malaysia.  

One of the key findings from the chapter contributors is the impact of social media on political mobilisation, advocacy and activism by raising awareness about critical issues in their own communities, promoting political participation, mobilising support and organising protests. For example, the chapter on Malay online political communities discusses how three Malay-based parties – UMNO, PAS, and Bersatu used social media to propagate issues on Malay rights. In the case of the Islamic Renaissance Front (IRF), a Malaysian Islamic reformist think tank, digital media enabled it to continue its mission of building a democratic and inclusive religious society through intellectual discourse despite the COVID-19 disruptions.  

Meanwhile, the Malaysian Chinese cyber-community uses social media to socio-political issues faced by them such as the issues that threaten the survival of Chinese vernacular schools as well as the government’s performance in handling economic issues. For the Indian community, digital media has played an important role in reshaping their opinion on specific issues such as Tamil vernacular schools, urban poverty and Hindu temples as well as general such as good governance, corruption, human rights and ethnic supremacy in Malaysia politics. Over in Sabah and Sarawak, the first part deals with the political social media community in Sarawak, followed by the social media that enables East Malaysians to discuss state nationalism and secession, native customary rights as well as the controversy surrounding the Malaysia Agreement (MA63). Lastly, while Christians in Malaysia generally use the online space to deepen their faith experiences through prayer, reflection and the exchange of religious knowledge and identity through virtual live-streamed worship, cyberspace also became a sphere for Christians to discuss socio-political matters that affect the practice of their faith, especially in a Muslim-majority country.  

The outcome of such online political communities that thrive on popular social media and communication platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp enable different groups to discuss issues that pertain to them, resulting in more awareness and participation in Malaysia’s electoral politics. These online interactions via social media platforms that allow users to express their political views, connect with like-minded individuals, and engage in identity-based discourse contribute to the emergence of distinct political identities, affiliations and sub-cultures. Malaysian cyberspace is an interplay of ethnic, religious, cultural and geographical diversity in a complex political environment. Thus, this edited book volume contributes towards understanding the transformative effects of digital platforms on political engagement, community formation, and identity in Malaysia.  

Associate Professor Dr Pauline Leong Pooi Yin
School of Arts
Email: @email