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By Mihar Dias (C) Copyright October 2023
In a time when traditional politicians often struggle to connect with younger generations, YB Viral has harnessed the power of platforms like TikTok and YouTube to become a voice that resonates with millions.
I was only introduced to YB Viral's channel during the recent Pelangai by-election by one of his staunch supporters who insisted that I tune in to the podcast.
I was impressed by his enthusiasm and the facts presented to an audience too lazy to look up for themselves. The information are easily available on social media. But shared with great enthusiasm they appear more convincing to most of his naive listeners. However, they do reveal some stories hidden from the public by the powers that be.
Anyway, at its core, YB Viral's journey from a staunch supporter of Barisan Nasional to a prominent social media influencer symbolizes the changing dynamics of Malaysian politics. Our op-ed here is based on the writing of Ahmad Mustakim Zulkifli of MalaysiaNow.
The 2018 general election, which saw BN lose power, marked a turning point for YB Viral. Disillusioned with the policies of Pakatan Harapan, he, along with like-minded friends, decided to take matters into their own hands.
Their decision to form an NGO and engage in activism was the catalyst for YB Viral's transformation into a social media sensation.
What started as critical commentary on traditional politicians soon evolved into a brand, "Yang Bersuara," encapsulating his mission to speak out on behalf of the people.
YB Viral's pivot to TikTok, following the November 2019 election, further solidified his influence.
His ability to connect with ministers from both PH and BN highlights the bridge he has built between traditional politics and the digital age. It's a testament to his impact that politicians themselves reached out to him in response to his content.
One notable aspect of YB Viral's approach is his commitment to sticking to the facts and avoiding slander.
By focusing on issues that matter to the "rakyat" (the people) and steering clear of sensitive topics like religion, race, and royalty, he maintains a level of credibility that has kept him out of legal trouble.
YB Viral's rise has not been without its challenges. Criticism from micro-influencers aligned with various political factions has been a constant presence, but he asserts that his message transcends party lines.
His observations about Perikatan Nasional's successful messaging strategy in the face of opposition campaigns speak volumes about the evolving political communication in the country.
Ultimately, YB Viral's success showcases the growing influence of digital platforms in shaping public opinion and political discourse.
As YB Viral rightly predicts, influencers who remain authentic and committed to their principles will continue to play a significant role in shaping the political discourse in Malaysia.
In an age where authenticity and relatability matter more than ever, we are certain that YB Viral's journey serves as a valuable case study in the power of social media's capability to amplify voices that might otherwise go unheard. Go tune in on YB Viral, you'll be glad you did.
Mihar Dias is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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