Every time Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim posts on Facebook, the comments are flooded with praise. But a Malaysiakini investigation last year found that much of it was driven by a coordinated network of cybertrooper accounts.In this episode of Explain Sikit, we unpack the patterns behind an online cheerleading network linked to support for Anwar Ibrahim, and why repeating the same messages can be just as powerful as spreading misinformation.Host Yiswaree Palansamy speaks to journalist Koh Jun Lin and media scholar Dr Benjamin Loh about where political campaigning ends and digital manipulation begins.👉 Read the full investigation on Malaysiakini: https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/756577https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/756652https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/756782--Host: Yiswaree PalansamyProducer: Azreen Madzlan#ExplainSikit #Astroturfing #cybertroopers #manifacturingconsent #Malaysianpolitics #AnwarIbrahim

Every time Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim posts on Facebook, the comments are flooded with praise. But a Malaysiakini investigation last year found that much of it was driven by a coordinated network of cybertrooper accounts.In this episode of Explain Sikit, we unpack the patterns behind an online cheerleading network linked to support for Anwar Ibrahim, and why repeating the same messages can be just as powerful as spreading misinformation.Host Yiswaree Palansamy speaks to journalist Koh Jun Lin and media scholar Dr Benjamin Loh about where political campaigning ends and digital manipulation begins.👉 Read the full investigation on Malaysiakini: https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/756577https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/756652https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/756782--Host: Yiswaree PalansamyProducer: Azreen Madzlan#ExplainSikit #Astroturfing #cybertroopers #manifacturingconsent #Malaysianpolitics #AnwarIbrahim

EP18 Manufacturing Consent: What the Anwar Cybertroopers Debate Reveals | Explain Sikit

Umno vice-president Khaled Nordin said the party was aware that public trust in the armed forces had eroded following investigations and arrests of officers linked to misappropriation, abuse of power, corruption, and a culture of hedonism.However, the defence minister stressed that Umno was determined to rebuild the nation’s confidence in the security force, which he described as the backbone of national security.Full Article: https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/765909Video Source: https://www.facebook.com/mediaumnomalaysia/videos/1205248705030549

Umno vice-president Khaled Nordin said the party was aware that public trust in the armed forces had eroded following investigations and arrests of officers linked to misappropriation, abuse of power, corruption, and a culture of hedonism.However, the defence minister stressed that Umno was determined to rebuild the nation’s confidence in the security force, which he described as the backbone of national security.Full Article: https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/765909Video Source: https://www.facebook.com/mediaumnomalaysia/videos/1205248705030549

Umno determined to restore public trust in armed forces, says Khaled

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had entrusted Umno with eight positions in his cabinet because he loves the party, said Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.Speaking at the Umno general assembly, the deputy prime minister said Anwar truly understands the party's history and its importance in Malaysia's political landscape as he has Umno DNA.  Zahid claimed that Anwar had come under pressure from within PKR as some in the party believed their president was too yielding to Umno.Full Article: https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/765914Video Source: https://www.facebook.com/mediaumnomalaysia/videos/1205248705030549

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had entrusted Umno with eight positions in his cabinet because he loves the party, said Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.Speaking at the Umno general assembly, the deputy prime minister said Anwar truly understands the party's history and its importance in Malaysia's political landscape as he has Umno DNA. Zahid claimed that Anwar had come under pressure from within PKR as some in the party believed their president was too yielding to Umno.Full Article: https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/765914Video Source: https://www.facebook.com/mediaumnomalaysia/videos/1205248705030549

Zahid: Anwar loves and trusts Umno

Claps and cheers from delegates in Dewan Merdeka, World Trade Centre, marked a highlight of party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s winding-up speech, as he returned a family sentiment expressed by Umno Youth chief, Dr Akmal Saleh.Opening his winding-up speech, Zahid described Akmal’s outspoken and “mischievous” nature as part of his fight for grassroots issues, saying that as a father, he had never stopped or punished him.The deputy prime minister, speaking in a joking tone, even said he loved Akmal more than Akmal loved him.Full article: https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/765907Video Source: https://www.facebook.com/mediaumnomalaysia/videos/1205248705030549

Claps and cheers from delegates in Dewan Merdeka, World Trade Centre, marked a highlight of party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s winding-up speech, as he returned a family sentiment expressed by Umno Youth chief, Dr Akmal Saleh.Opening his winding-up speech, Zahid described Akmal’s outspoken and “mischievous” nature as part of his fight for grassroots issues, saying that as a father, he had never stopped or punished him.The deputy prime minister, speaking in a joking tone, even said he loved Akmal more than Akmal loved him.Full article: https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/765907Video Source: https://www.facebook.com/mediaumnomalaysia/videos/1205248705030549

'Nice father' Zahid says loves 'mischievous child' Akmal

Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan said the party's decision to remain in the coalition government was a strategy to prevent a repeat of “Pakatan Harapan 1.0”.According to the foreign minister, a certain party is unhappy with Umno for preventing them from getting their way in the government and tried to pressure Umno into exiting the current federal administration.Full Article: https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/765902Video Source: https://www.facebook.com/mediaumnomalaysia/videos/1205248705030549

Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan said the party's decision to remain in the coalition government was a strategy to prevent a repeat of “Pakatan Harapan 1.0”.According to the foreign minister, a certain party is unhappy with Umno for preventing them from getting their way in the government and tried to pressure Umno into exiting the current federal administration.Full Article: https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/765902Video Source: https://www.facebook.com/mediaumnomalaysia/videos/1205248705030549

Mohamad: Umno stays in govt to prevent repeat of Harapan 1.0

Umno vice-president Johari Abdul Ghani today said the party should not fear DAP, just like it had never feared any other non-Malay-based parties, including MCA and former ally Gerakan.Johari, in his winding-up speech, said the party members should be scared of disunity among the Malays instead.Full Article: https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/765894Video Source: https://www.facebook.com/mediaumnomalaysia/videos/1205248705030549

Umno vice-president Johari Abdul Ghani today said the party should not fear DAP, just like it had never feared any other non-Malay-based parties, including MCA and former ally Gerakan.Johari, in his winding-up speech, said the party members should be scared of disunity among the Malays instead.Full Article: https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/765894Video Source: https://www.facebook.com/mediaumnomalaysia/videos/1205248705030549

Johari: Umno should fear Malay disunity instead of DAP

Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh described himself as a “mischievous child” who loves Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi like a father.He said many assumed that he was not aligned with the party president, but that was not the case.Full Article: https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/765896Video Source: https://www.facebook.com/mediaumnomalaysia/videos/1205248705030549

Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh described himself as a “mischievous child” who loves Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi like a father.He said many assumed that he was not aligned with the party president, but that was not the case.Full Article: https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/765896Video Source: https://www.facebook.com/mediaumnomalaysia/videos/1205248705030549

'Most mischievous child loves his father the most' - Akmal

Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan has reaffirmed that although the party is in the cabinet alongside DAP, the arrangement was made based on an agreement - and not simply a matter of “offering its neck”.Full article: https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/765890

Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan has reaffirmed that although the party is in the cabinet alongside DAP, the arrangement was made based on an agreement - and not simply a matter of “offering its neck”.Full article: https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/765890

Tok Mat: Umno not 'offering its neck' to DAP, just in the same govt

A Terengganu Umno delegate today said anyone seeking to revive the party’s alliance with PAS under the Muafakat Nasional (MN) pact must first be aware of the state chapter’s experience.Nurhisam Johari said that, unlike in other states, Terengganu Umno is more disappointed with PAS’ attitude than with DAP.Full Article: https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/765882Video Source: https://www.facebook.com/mediaumnomalaysia/videos/1387422856458925

A Terengganu Umno delegate today said anyone seeking to revive the party’s alliance with PAS under the Muafakat Nasional (MN) pact must first be aware of the state chapter’s experience.Nurhisam Johari said that, unlike in other states, Terengganu Umno is more disappointed with PAS’ attitude than with DAP.Full Article: https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/765882Video Source: https://www.facebook.com/mediaumnomalaysia/videos/1387422856458925

Umno Terengganu 2,000 times more disappointed with PAS than DAP

While none of the five Sabah Umno women candidates in the last state election had won their seats, state Puteri Umno chief Ummi Nabilah Jamal today noted that only one had lost their deposit.In echoing Puteri Umno's call for 30 percent representation of women candidates, Ummi Nabilah said the five represented 11 percent of Sabah Umno's total 45 candidates.Full Article: https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/765869Video Source: https://www.facebook.com/mediaumnomalaysia/videos/1387422856458925#PAU2025

While none of the five Sabah Umno women candidates in the last state election had won their seats, state Puteri Umno chief Ummi Nabilah Jamal today noted that only one had lost their deposit.In echoing Puteri Umno's call for 30 percent representation of women candidates, Ummi Nabilah said the five represented 11 percent of Sabah Umno's total 45 candidates.Full Article: https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/765869Video Source: https://www.facebook.com/mediaumnomalaysia/videos/1387422856458925#PAU2025

None won, only one lost deposit: Sabah Puteri Umno backs 30pct candidacy

Umno has not made any decision on cooperating with Pakatan Harapan in the next general election, said the party’s secretary-general, Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.Full Article: https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/765863#PAU2025

Umno has not made any decision on cooperating with Pakatan Harapan in the next general election, said the party’s secretary-general, Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.Full Article: https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/765863#PAU2025

Umno hasn't decided on electoral cooperation with Harapan

Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s position as deputy prime minister must be defended to uphold the dignity of the Umno president, said Kelantan party delegate Wan Mahusin Wan Zain.He described proposals for the party to pull out of the unity government as inappropriate.He also recalled how Zahid’s dignity was trampled on when the Bagan Datuk MP faced court charges.Full article: https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/765860Video Source: https://www.facebook.com/mediaumnomalaysia/videos/1387422856458925#PAU2025

Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s position as deputy prime minister must be defended to uphold the dignity of the Umno president, said Kelantan party delegate Wan Mahusin Wan Zain.He described proposals for the party to pull out of the unity government as inappropriate.He also recalled how Zahid’s dignity was trampled on when the Bagan Datuk MP faced court charges.Full article: https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/765860Video Source: https://www.facebook.com/mediaumnomalaysia/videos/1387422856458925#PAU2025

Defend Zahid's DPM post, uphold Umno chief's 'dignity' - delegate

A Perak Umno delegate has lauded the party youth wing and its chief, Dr Akmal Saleh, for fiercely fighting against the “disrespectful attitude” of some parties.In his speech, Beruas Umno division chief Azhar Ahmad said that while the party practices civility in politics, Umno Youth did the right thing when it confronted those who were being uncouth.He cited the incident when DAP’s Puchong MP Yeo Bee Yin celebrated a court ruling rejecting Najib Abdul Razak’s bid to be placed under house arrest.Full Article: https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/765850Video Source: https://www.facebook.com/mediaumnomalaysia/videos/1387422856458925

A Perak Umno delegate has lauded the party youth wing and its chief, Dr Akmal Saleh, for fiercely fighting against the “disrespectful attitude” of some parties.In his speech, Beruas Umno division chief Azhar Ahmad said that while the party practices civility in politics, Umno Youth did the right thing when it confronted those who were being uncouth.He cited the incident when DAP’s Puchong MP Yeo Bee Yin celebrated a court ruling rejecting Najib Abdul Razak’s bid to be placed under house arrest.Full Article: https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/765850Video Source: https://www.facebook.com/mediaumnomalaysia/videos/1387422856458925

Delegate lauds Umno Youth for fighting 'disrespect' from other parties

An Umno Youth delegate has raised concerns over the presence of “si kitol” (treacherous figures) within the party, suggesting that some members are taking orders from a different leader.Without naming anyone, Helmi Elias described the problem as a new “illness”, where certain party members act as spokespersons for other parties.Using a ship as a metaphor, he emphasised that, as crew members, they must take orders from only one captain - Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.Full Article: https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/765842Video Source: https://www.facebook.com/mediaumnomalaysia/videos/1387422856458925#PAU2025

An Umno Youth delegate has raised concerns over the presence of “si kitol” (treacherous figures) within the party, suggesting that some members are taking orders from a different leader.Without naming anyone, Helmi Elias described the problem as a new “illness”, where certain party members act as spokespersons for other parties.Using a ship as a metaphor, he emphasised that, as crew members, they must take orders from only one captain - Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.Full Article: https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/765842Video Source: https://www.facebook.com/mediaumnomalaysia/videos/1387422856458925#PAU2025

'We sail with Capt Zahid', Umno Youth delegate flags mutinous crew

An Umno delegate in his debate of the presidential address today moved to defend party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi against allegations - including from within their own ranks - that the fate of former president Najib Abdul Razak, who remains behind bars, has been forgotten.”Those who accuse the president of already having a comfortable seat, of forgetting friends, of forgetting how to save Bossku - and who even think it’s better for Bossku to rot in prison (so that) our political future looks brighter - please repent,” he said in Dewan Merdeka, World Trade Centre.“Don’t be more ‘Bossku’ than ‘Bossku’,” stressed Hasnal, using Najib’s moniker among his loyal supporters.

An Umno delegate in his debate of the presidential address today moved to defend party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi against allegations - including from within their own ranks - that the fate of former president Najib Abdul Razak, who remains behind bars, has been forgotten.”Those who accuse the president of already having a comfortable seat, of forgetting friends, of forgetting how to save Bossku - and who even think it’s better for Bossku to rot in prison (so that) our political future looks brighter - please repent,” he said in Dewan Merdeka, World Trade Centre.“Don’t be more ‘Bossku’ than ‘Bossku’,” stressed Hasnal, using Najib’s moniker among his loyal supporters.

'Don't be more Bossku than Bossku' - Umno delegate defends Zahid

The government has taken down an “anti-climb” metal fence surrounding Padang Merbok in Kuala Lumpur, in a move that newly minted Federal Territories Minister Hannah Yeoh called “returning the field to the rakyat”.This was slightly over three years after the fence was installed by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) when the federal government was under Perikatan Nasional leadership.Yeoh said the move was proof of the Madani government’s commitment towards “making things right”, and it starts with freeing Padang Merbok.

The government has taken down an “anti-climb” metal fence surrounding Padang Merbok in Kuala Lumpur, in a move that newly minted Federal Territories Minister Hannah Yeoh called “returning the field to the rakyat”.This was slightly over three years after the fence was installed by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) when the federal government was under Perikatan Nasional leadership.Yeoh said the move was proof of the Madani government’s commitment towards “making things right”, and it starts with freeing Padang Merbok.

Padang Merbok reopens to the public, DBKL removes metal fence - Hannah Yeoh

KiniNews is now also available at: Spotify: https://mk.my/sH14qeJApple podcast: https://mk.my/jPylPZC[KiniNews] Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has denied allegations that he is aligning the party with the Madani government to save himself, while sidelining his predecessor Najib Abdul Razak.“That is a (false) accusation,” Zahid said with a smile during his policy speech at the Umno general assembly today.“Some claim Zahid is doing this to save himself - that is an accusation. They claim Zahid has sidelined his comrade Najib - that is an accusation. In fact, we sympathise with Bossku," he added.During his speech, Zahid also attempted to appease BN components MCA and MIC with a plea for the parties to stop “sulking” and once again strengthen the coalition formed for over five decades.“Come back here, sit under this big tent, let’s be together… we are Malaysians, we are friends in BN,” the BN chairperson said to cheers from 6,412 delegates from the party’s central body, Youth, Wanita, and Puteri wings gathered at Dewan Merdeka in the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur.___________________📌 Share this news! Join the Malaysiakini WhatsApp Channel now! https://mk.my/wa_mkiniTurn on notifications 🔔 or unmute the channel to receive news notifications immediately!—Support independent media, subscribe to Malaysiakini.com - https://bit.ly/3B3ztIa

KiniNews is now also available at: Spotify: https://mk.my/sH14qeJApple podcast: https://mk.my/jPylPZC[KiniNews] Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has denied allegations that he is aligning the party with the Madani government to save himself, while sidelining his predecessor Najib Abdul Razak.“That is a (false) accusation,” Zahid said with a smile during his policy speech at the Umno general assembly today.“Some claim Zahid is doing this to save himself - that is an accusation. They claim Zahid has sidelined his comrade Najib - that is an accusation. In fact, we sympathise with Bossku," he added.During his speech, Zahid also attempted to appease BN components MCA and MIC with a plea for the parties to stop “sulking” and once again strengthen the coalition formed for over five decades.“Come back here, sit under this big tent, let’s be together… we are Malaysians, we are friends in BN,” the BN chairperson said to cheers from 6,412 delegates from the party’s central body, Youth, Wanita, and Puteri wings gathered at Dewan Merdeka in the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur.___________________📌 Share this news! Join the Malaysiakini WhatsApp Channel now! https://mk.my/wa_mkiniTurn on notifications 🔔 or unmute the channel to receive news notifications immediately!—Support independent media, subscribe to Malaysiakini.com - https://bit.ly/3B3ztIa

#KiniNews: Zahid denies joining govt to save himself, urges MCA, MIC to stop sulking and stay in BN

The outcome of the last Sabah election in which Umno only received 144,584 votes, despite recording 622,637 members, has served as the biggest “wake-up call” on a trend of declining support, said party secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.In revealing the numbers, Asyraf said the vote tally received by Umno only accounts for 23 percent of Sabah Umno members.This means almost 80 percent of party members in the state did not vote for BN.

The outcome of the last Sabah election in which Umno only received 144,584 votes, despite recording 622,637 members, has served as the biggest “wake-up call” on a trend of declining support, said party secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.In revealing the numbers, Asyraf said the vote tally received by Umno only accounts for 23 percent of Sabah Umno members.This means almost 80 percent of party members in the state did not vote for BN.

Sabah polls a 'wake-up call', many Sabah Umno members didn't vote for party, says Asyraf

PAS deputy-president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man has rejected claims that replacing Muhyiddin Yassin with PAS’ Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar as Perikatan Nasional chairperson would cause electoral losses to the party.He described those views as “far from reality”, highlighting how the Islamist party in Terengganu, under Samsuri’s leadership as menteri besar, had been especially successful.He added that regardless of whoever is chosen as the replacement for PN chief, what is important is the commitment to continue strengthening the coalition.

PAS deputy-president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man has rejected claims that replacing Muhyiddin Yassin with PAS’ Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar as Perikatan Nasional chairperson would cause electoral losses to the party.He described those views as “far from reality”, highlighting how the Islamist party in Terengganu, under Samsuri’s leadership as menteri besar, had been especially successful.He added that regardless of whoever is chosen as the replacement for PN chief, what is important is the commitment to continue strengthening the coalition.

Samsuri as PN chief won't cost PAS seats, says Tuan Ibrahim

DAP vice-chairperson Teresa Kok has lodged a police report yesterday over a fabricated news article that claimed that she has endorsed “halal-certified pork”.The Seputeh MP described the fabricated article, which has since gone viral on social media, as “purely defamatory in nature”, and insisted that she has never made such statements.

DAP vice-chairperson Teresa Kok has lodged a police report yesterday over a fabricated news article that claimed that she has endorsed “halal-certified pork”.The Seputeh MP described the fabricated article, which has since gone viral on social media, as “purely defamatory in nature”, and insisted that she has never made such statements.

Teresa lodges police report over fabricated 'halal-certified pork' article

The Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court today acquitted and discharged former Kinabatangan MP, the late Bung Moktar Radin, of three corruption charges involving RM2.8 million in bribes.The bribes were allegedly for securing approval for Felcra Berhad to invest RM150 million in Public Mutual Berhad unit trust products.Judge Rosli Ahmad made the ruling after deputy public prosecutor Law Chin How informed the court that the prosecution did not intend to proceed with the case following Bung’s death on Dec 5 last year.

The Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court today acquitted and discharged former Kinabatangan MP, the late Bung Moktar Radin, of three corruption charges involving RM2.8 million in bribes.The bribes were allegedly for securing approval for Felcra Berhad to invest RM150 million in Public Mutual Berhad unit trust products.Judge Rosli Ahmad made the ruling after deputy public prosecutor Law Chin How informed the court that the prosecution did not intend to proceed with the case following Bung’s death on Dec 5 last year.

Court frees late Bung Moktar of graft charges, trial against widow to proceed

Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's full speech at the opening of the 2025 Umno AGM.

[Full video] Zahid Hamidi's speech at opening of 2025 Umno AGM

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said all Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) procurement decisions linked to corruption will be temporarily shelved pending full compliance with procurement procedures.He said the government, through the relevant ministries, will review and restructure all procurement processes to ensure transparency within the existing system.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said all Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) procurement decisions linked to corruption will be temporarily shelved pending full compliance with procurement procedures.He said the government, through the relevant ministries, will review and restructure all procurement processes to ensure transparency within the existing system.

Anwar: MAF, police procurement decisions linked to graft temporarily shelved

Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has announced that the party will form a new committee dubbed the “Rumah Bangsa Unification Committee” as part of efforts to restore Malay political unity.The deputy prime minister said this includes opening the door for individuals or groups that previously left the party to return to Umno.

Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has announced that the party will form a new committee dubbed the “Rumah Bangsa Unification Committee” as part of efforts to restore Malay political unity.The deputy prime minister said this includes opening the door for individuals or groups that previously left the party to return to Umno.

Umno 'big home' for Malays, Zahid moots 'unification' committee

Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stressed that Umno remains loyal to Najib Abdul Razak and reiterated that he had petitioned to get a pardon for the former premier.In his policy speech at the Umno general assembly today, Zahid said Umno has never wavered in its stand with Najib, it has never changed.

Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stressed that Umno remains loyal to Najib Abdul Razak and reiterated that he had petitioned to get a pardon for the former premier.In his policy speech at the Umno general assembly today, Zahid said Umno has never wavered in its stand with Najib, it has never changed.

Umno's support for Najib hasn't changed, says Zahid

 Suspended Umno deputy president Muhyiddin Yassin says he regrets asking former prime minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to resign to make way for Najib.

Muhyiddin: I regret asking Pak Lah to step down