Barisan Nasional must shift to digital and tactical strategies to engage 2.5 million new voters for GE16, says chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional must develop a smarter political strategy, including digital approaches and tactical measures, to prepare for the 16th General Election within the next 22 months.
Its chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said BN can no longer rely solely on conventional methods and must adapt to changing voter demographics. “Our strategy must shift towards a non-conventional approach, not the traditional methods,” he said.
He stated new digital strategies are essential to reach all 2.5 million new voters. “It is impossible to reach all 2.5 million new voters through face-to-face communication,” Ahmad Zahid added.
He was speaking at the ninth Better Nation Forum titled ‘Model Baharu Barisan Nasional: Antara Tradisi Politik & Tuntutan Perubahan’ at the Menara Dato Onn Auditorium.
The Deputy Prime Minister said BN must recognise the current political reality where no single party can form a government alone. He advocated for a more realistic and inclusive strategy that accounts for changing voter patterns.
“We must acknowledge that first-time voters, those aged 18, number around half a million each year,” he said. “In this context, our strategy must change.”
He added that BN needs to reassess its performance after winning only 30 parliamentary seats in the last general election. This assessment must consider demographic factors, multi-cornered contests, and internal issues.
Ahmad Zahid also highlighted that political experience in Sabah shows the right strategy can yield advantages. “This experience shows that even with limited numbers, we succeeded by implementing a political strategy that was correct, timely, and targeted,” he said.
He stressed that BN must be bold in changing its political communication and avoid being overly defensive. The focus must be on regaining dominance in GE16.
The forum was moderated by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir. The panel included Dr Bridget Welsh from Nottingham University Malaysia, Dr Lee Hwok Aun from ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, and Ilham Centre Executive Director Hishomuddin Bakar.
The Better Nation Forum brings together thought leaders to discuss issues shaping Malaysia’s future. The first series was launched on Feb 12 last year.
