A post on X has revealed a ‘3R’ tactic being employed by some political parties during elections, with the same strategy now surfacing in the Mahkota by-election, where campaigning is in full swing.
The Democratic Action Party (DAP) has denounced the unethical actions of irresponsible individuals distributing anonymous letters aimed at “inciting” Chinese voters to avoid supporting the Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate in the upcoming Mahkota state by-election on September 28.
Kluang MP Wong Shu Qi reported that these anonymous letters, printed in Chinese, were distributed by an individual to homes in predominantly Chinese neighborhoods such as Taman Sri Kluang, Taman Suria, Taman Lian Seng, and Taman Pelangi.
The letter urges Chinese voters to boycott BN in the Mahkota by-election, as a way of punishing UMNO for its alleged arrogance, and to ensure checks and balances in Johor’s state government.
“I consider this a dirty tactic. In elections, whether it’s a by-election (PRK) or a state election (PRN), regardless of the party, we encourage voters to come out in large numbers and vote for the candidate of their choice.
“I believe this act is a coordinated movement. The letter states that Chinese voters should punish UMNO (BN) over a recent issue involving UMNO youth and a DAP leader,” she said during a press conference on Saturday.
Meanwhile, on X, a user Trumptruth@BatuTangga1 wrote that they led a successful campaign against a PH candidate in Bukit Melawati in the past.
The tactic used reeked of the 3R connotation. The X user was apologising to the Timb. Ketua SU Pengelola Keadilan, Kuala Selangor Thiban Subbramaniam.
Thiban, I owe you an apology. In the last election, I made a mistake by working with PN to rally support for them. The campaign we created directly contributed to your loss in Bukit Melawati. Our slogans, though simple, were damaging:
1. Daripada undi Hindu, baik undi Melayu.— Trumptruth (@BatuTangga1) September 21, 2024
“Thiban, I owe you an apology. In the last election, I made a mistake by working with PN to rally support for them. The campaign we created directly contributed to your loss in Bukit Melawati. Our slogans, though simple, were damaging,” it says.
In that case, the user said, “We targeted UMNO households, and many stayed away from voting because of it.”
The user, surely a political activist, said it pained him to admit his role. “It pains me to admit my role in this, and I deeply regret the harm I’ve caused. I’m truly sorry for the damage.”
However, with the campaign now underway in Mahkota, it seems some have not learned the lesson that such letters can harm the harmony within communities.
It serves as a reminder that spreading divisive messages only creates tension and distrust. Let’s prioritise unity and respectful discourse instead of repeating past mistakes. – Sept 22, 2024
Main image: thestar
