Use of racial sentiments, misuse of AI in digital campaigns worrying, says Bersih

Bersih has criticised the use of racial and religious sentiments, as well as manipulated AI-generated content during recent election campaigns in Malaysia.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih) has criticised the irresponsible use of racial and religious sentiments during recent state election campaigns in Sabah, Johor and Negeri Sembilan.

Bersih also said there had been a noticeable increase in such sentiments on social media during the campaign period, along with content manipulated using artificial intelligence (AI).

Melaka is next to hold its polls as political parties in Malaysia brace for a looming general election.

“Bersih strongly opposes such practices, as they can divide the people and should be avoided at all costs, especially during an election period,” the coalition said in a statement today.

“Malaysia is a country for everyone, regardless of race, religion or background.

“Bersih also regrets that even the royal institution was dragged into the campaign trail and used for political purposes, particularly in Negeri Sembilan.”

It said such actions risked tarnishing the reputation of the royal institution, which serves as a protector of the nation and should remain above partisan politics and not be used to serve the interests of particular parties.

It added that it had observed racist sentiments continuing to appear in social media posts during the campaign period.

“These sentiments have, in some cases, evolved into xenophobia directed at minorities, immigrants and refugees,” said Bersih.

“At the same time, the rapid development of AI has created new challenges, as images, videos, audio and text can now be created or manipulated easily, quickly and convincingly.

“The use of technology, including AI, must be ethical and responsible. Digital spaces must not be allowed to become battlefields for manipulating voters or influencing electoral outcomes through deceptive means.”

It added that political parties, candidates, social media platforms, influencers, social media users and the relevant authorities must take full responsibility for ensuring that new technologies are not exploited in ways that undermine the integrity of elections or harm community harmony.

Bersih said the public should judge political parties and candidates based on what they can offer and their performance, rather than race, fearmongering or false information designed to manipulate emotions and voters’ decisions.

It urged everyone to take responsibility for creating a healthy, inclusive and constructive political climate.

“Short-term political victories achieved by exploiting racial sentiments or manipulating technology do not benefit anyone. Instead, they risk imposing a heavy price on social harmony and stability in the long term – a price that everyone will ultimately have to pay.”

Bersih also noted a recurring pattern of election campaign practices that it said violated the principles of clean and fair elections, particularly the misuse of government resources and machinery.

“The use of government resources and machinery is widespread, particularly where there is intense competition, whether between the government and the opposition or between parties within the governing coalition itself. Indeed, the use of government machinery is among the most frequently observed electoral violations.”

Bersih also urged the government to expedite reforms to the Election Offences Act, saying it had observed several practices that could constitute offences, including lucky draws, free durian feasts, free health screenings, free dental scaling services, the distribution of funds or aid, announcements of new development allocations, and various forms of assistance or handouts to local communities, such as basic food assistance.