Political deliberation on the internet: The Malaysian political parties' web sphere

Abstract

This study examines the role of the internet in shaping political deliberation in Malaysia. The aim of this study is to investigate the extent to which the political partie's websites have contributed to the emergence of deliberative democracy in Malaysia. Specifically, it explores the extent to which the internet has liberalised access to information and opened up new spaces for discussion in a cmmtiy where most conventional media is controlled by the government and public discourse is restricted. Based on hyper link analysis, the study finds a complex evolution of the online political information offered to voters. Although, the partie's web sphere have broadened participation in public debate, the data also identify that its role in facilitating and enhancing deliberative democracy in Malaysia is still limited as many political actors continue to control and manipulate information for political pwposes