The Electric New Paper
February 22, 2008
JUST like in the ongoing race for presidential nominations in the US, Malaysian political parties are taking their campaigning to online video host site YouTube.
_____________________________________
The English version of DAP’s video has been viewed more than 15,000 times at press time. The Malay version has been viewed almost 10,000 times.
_____________________________________
And it seems the Democratic Action Party (DAP) has made the first inroads with a snazzy promotional video that has been delighting netizens since it was uploaded two weeks ago, reported Guang Ming Daily.
The video shows a relay race, with Malaysians of different races and ages passing the baton as they run or ride taxis along the country’s alleyways and thoroughfares.
The baton finally ends up in the hands of DAP leaders standing on the steps of Parliament.
The one-minute video comes in Malay and English versions.
Its cheeky message, ‘Just change it’, shown at the end, spoofs Nike’s ‘Just do it’ catchphrase. In Malay, the closing message says, ‘Jam ubah (Time to change)’.
DAP said that the relay race is meant to convey the idea that the party carries the hopes and voice of the masses.
Entitled The Voice Of Democracy, Conscience Of Parliament-DAP, the English version of the video has been viewed more than 15,000 times at press time. The Malay version has been viewed almost 10,000 times.
Not to be outdone, Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC), a part of the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition, yesterday launched the country’s first Indian Internet-based political television channel.
Called Putera iTV, the online video-streaming channel will feature the contributions and achievements of MIC and BN, reported New Straits Times.
In a video recording posted on the site, MIC president SSamy Vellu said the channel was a progressive way to reach the younger generation. Content on the site would include coverage of the 28 MIC candidates during the campaign period.
But it is the opposition parties which most appreciate the value of the Internet, reported AFP.
While mainstream media – many partly owned by BN parties – are awash with flattering stories about the government and its achievements, the opposition rates barely a mention.
‘Blogging is one way to get word out and an opportunity to circumvent media control,’ said DAP leader Lim Kit Siang, 67, who runs three blogs which are meticulously updated every day.