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By Mihar Dias (C) Copyright ©️ July 2023
The recent saga surrounding Perikatan Nasional (PN) election director Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor and his TikTok account highlights the growing influence of social media in politics and the challenges faced by politicians in navigating these platforms. While the situation may seem trivial at first glance, it reflects broader issues of media freedom, political rivalries, and the changing landscape of communication.
Sanusi's claim that his TikTok account was removed due to government interference raises concerns about censorship and restrictions on freedom of expression. In an era where social media plays a crucial role in disseminating information and engaging with the public, such actions can be seen as attempts to stifle dissenting voices and control the narrative. Sanusi's comparison to North Korea may be hyperbolic, but it underscores the potential dangers of curtailing media freedom.
The fact that Sanusi turned to TikTok and other social media platforms to convey his messages speaks to the evolving dynamics of political communication. Traditional media channels may no longer be the primary means of reaching the masses, especially among the younger generation. Sanusi's assertion that "today's kids don't use Facebook anymore" underscores the need for politicians to adapt to changing platforms and engage with audiences on the platforms they frequent.
However, this incident also highlights the risks associated with relying solely on social media for political communication. Sanusi's frustration at losing his TikTok account and being unable to defend himself properly indicates a vulnerability in depending heavily on these platforms.
While social media provides a direct line of communication with the public, it can also be subject to arbitrary rules and sudden changes in policies, as seen in Sanusi's case.
Moreover, the focus on TikTok and other social media platforms can divert attention from more pressing issues at hand.
Sanusi's remarks about being "shot five times" and various accusations against him may indicate an attempt to distract from substantive debates and controversies. It is important for the public to critically evaluate the motivations and timing of such statements and focus on the substance of the issues being raised.
In conclusion, the incident involving Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor's TikTok account raises important questions about media freedom, the evolving landscape of political communication, and the need for politicians to adapt to new platforms.
While social media can empower politicians to engage directly with the public, it also comes with risks and challenges. As society becomes more digitally connected, it is crucial to ensure that freedom of expression and access to information are protected, allowing for robust democratic discourse to thrive.
(At press time, the government has denied involvement in blocking Sanusi's TikTok account). “A new Tik Tok account of Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor saw its followers balloon to more than 160,000 in less than 24 hours, a sign of the PAS politician's popularity in the wake of attacks against him by Pakatan Harapan and Umno leaders.”
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