UMNO sets social media criteria for Melaka election candidates

Barisan Nasional (BN) is implementing a multi-stage selection process for candidates in the upcoming Melaka state election. According to Ahmad Maslan, head of the UMNO Malaysia War Room Secretariat, candidates will undergo three levels of screening: at the division level, the state level, and finally by the BN Chairman and UMNO President.

Potential candidates must demonstrate active engagement across various social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads, and X, to effectively reach the public. The selection process also utilizes the ‘WALI’ criteria—Winnable, Acceptable, Likeable, and Integrity—alongside six victory factors: continuous activity, machinery unity, candidate quality, data usage, public emotion, and financial resources.

BN aims to defend at least 21 seats previously won in the 2021 Melaka state election. The party's social media machinery has been activated in Melaka to manage narratives and respond to political challenges.