KUCHING: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) election machinery must strengthen its command of digital technology and social media ahead of the 13th Sarawak General Election (SGE13) to counter fake news, disinformation and AI-generated content that could undermine the party’s campaign, said Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof.
The PBB’s Senior Vice-President said this was crucial to ensure that the party’s and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) struggles, as well as the Sarawak Government’s achievements, were effectively communicated to the people.
He said youth participation was particularly important as they were more familiar with information technology and could play a significant role in disseminating accurate information, especially among young voters.
He pointed out that advancements in digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) had also created opportunities for the spread of fabricated content using individuals’ voices, faces and images without their knowledge or consent.
“Do not become complacent. In this highly advanced technological era, various things can happen through digital technology and AI, including the use of our voices, faces and images.
“If such things are circulated during an election, how are we going to defend ourselves and counter the fake news and slander?” he said.
He said this during the PBB Southern Zone Special Convention 2026 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today.
Thus, Fadillah urged the party machinery to combine the strengths of all its wings, including the Youth and Women’s wings, as well as young people, to strengthen both face-to-face campaigning and social media outreach.
He said the party machinery could no longer rely solely on traditional methods such as putting up posters and conducting house-to-house campaigns, but must also master digital platforms to reach the people.
“Therefore, we need to combine all our strengths and master technology, particularly by involving young people who are more familiar with the world of information technology.
“They must take the lead in communicating the struggles of PBB and GPS, including what the Premier and the Sarawak Government have done for the benefit of the state and its people,” he said.
On preparations for the SGE13, Fadillah, said the election presented an opportunity for the party machinery to regain the people’s support based on its development track record, efforts to champion the people’s interests and its commitment to defending Sarawak’s rights at the national level.
He added that the entire party machinery would go on the ground after nomination day on November 28 to highlight the government’s achievements and convince voters to continue supporting PBB and GPS.
“We already have the track record and facts to present to the people so that they will re-elect us to lead Sarawak for another five years.
“I am confident that with the spirit and strength we have, we can achieve a major victory. I also believe that the unity of the PBB Southern Zone machinery can help ensure a strong victory for PBB and GPS in the coming Sarawak Election.
“Whatever challenges lie ahead, whatever storms may come, we will never surrender before our time. God-willing, we will continue to fight together under the leadership of the Premier,” he said.
