KUALA LUMPUR: The implementation of new norms as a response to mitigate the risk of Covid-19 transmission has forced candidates standing in the Sabah polls to be creative in their campaigns.
The increasing use of social media platforms, however, did not result in the decline of conventional campaigns, such as door-to-door visits, as candidates strived to make a lasting impression on their electorate.
Universiti Malaysia Sabah's political analyst Dr Romzi Ationg said limited Internet accessibility, especially in the interior, had necessitated physical meet-ups or gatherings with voters.
"There is a significant increase in the use of social media platforms, including Facebook and Twitter, by candidates contesting the state election.
"Having said that, candidates are not taking any chances by depending solely on social media. Many candidates are still relying on the conventional approach to reach out to their voters," Romzi told the New Straits Times.
Discerning voters had also compelled candidates to go to the ground to understand the demands of future constituents.
"Voters nowadays are wiser in deciding their pick. They aspire for a candidate who is sincere in championing the cause and resolving issues affecting the community in their respective areas.
"To prove their sincerity, it is imperative for candidates to meet their voters, champion their aspirations and win their support," he said.
Romzi, however, said the standard operating procedure enforced throughout the Recovery Movement Control Order period, which included physical distancing, accelerated the use of social media in campaigns.
He also noticed the atmosphere was not as lively as the 14th General Election in 2018.
"I believe the people are still angry at certain political leaders and figures who have contributed to the political uncertainty in the state.
"This situation is compounded by the fact that people are still worried about the pandemic."
Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah's (Gagasan) Api-Api candidate Chong Tze Kiun said going to the ground remained an important part of his campaign.
Chong, who is in a nine-cornered fight for the state seat, said the composition of the electorate in Api-Api required him to meet them physically.
"Although Api-Api is located in an urban area, a majority of the registered voters here are those aged 40 and above.
"Many of them do not have social media platforms or the mobile messaging application WhatsApp.
"That is why we are not depending solely on social media platforms in our campaign.
"Human-to-human interactions through door-to-door visits provide me greater opportunity to explain further my vision for the state seats and, generally, Sabah."