Umno to use cyberspace to woo young voters

(Bernama) – Umno information chief Ahmad Maslan said the party is aware of the important role of the new media in moulding the political minds of the young and will use cyberspace to attract voters.

"The new media has been very effective in influencing the young politically. We need to find new ways to engage the young in cyberspace.

"It must be done fast as studies showed that the Internet played an important role in influencing young voters," he said after opening the parent-teacher association meeting of Sekolah Rendah Ayer Baloi here today.

Ahmad said he would be meeting the Umno wings, academicians and non-governmental organisations to find effective ways to engage the young in cyberspace.

The Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department said Umno would  continue to hold meetings, talks and seminars and use the print and electronic media to disseminate information.

"We will use unconventional ways that will be appreciated by the people to show that we are here to serve," said Ahmad who spent a night in the home of a Felda settler in Kulaijaya last week.

He did not discount possibility that key performance indicators (KPI) be used on the party information machinery just like that implemented for ministers and deputy ministers.

"Umno information bureau at branch, division, state and national level may be asked to list their programmes for the month and year.

"I will also seek the view of former information chiefs Tan Sri Muhammad Muhammad Taib, Tan Sri Yusof Noor and Datuk Mustapa Mohamed," he added.