The dominance of new media, especially via social media, has transformed the way Malaysians consume political information compared to previous decades when they heavily relied on traditional media. Social media has emerged as a potent tool for conveying political messages and influencing people's choices for their political leaders. This conceptual paper aims to underscore the use of social media and its impact on shaping public opinion in the political discourse of Malaysia. In the recent general elections, politicians actively utilized social media to communicate their political messages to the public, showcasing a significant influence on the election results. Social media platforms act as virtual town halls, providing a platform for people to actively engage in two-way communication with their political leaders, allowing them to express their opinions and seek clarifications. Platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, WhatsApp, Telegram, and Instagram play a crucial role in delivering political messages in an engaging manner, capturing people's attention, and influencing them to support specific political parties or leaders. Politicians have increasingly recognized the reach and impact of social media in connecting with a broader audience. This medium offers several advantages compared to the limited access of traditional media, attracting both the public and politicians to utilize its capabilities. Social media has become a prominent source of political information for Malaysians, featuring diverse approaches, including the practice of citizen journalism. This has led to a proliferation of perspectives in political discourse, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of political issues. Undoubtedly, social media has spurred active engagement in political discourse, causing a transformative effect on the political landscape in Malaysia. The medium's dynamic nature and accessibility have facilitated a democratization of information, allowing citizens to participate more actively in political conversations. As a result, social media has played a pivotal role in shaping opinions, influencing choices, and fostering a more interactive and diversified political environment in Malaysia. However, there are some issues that need to be taken into consideration while using social media as a tool for political discourse, such as the crucial problem of fake news.
