Preamble.
In my previous post, "How to be elected as a parliamentarian in Malaysia" I mentioned the manipulation of a powerful marketing technique called "by the word of the mouth". Also, lately, we notice that Malaysia is catching up with the rest of the western countries when it comes to marketing a coalition party or a loosely grouped parties to the would be voters, in a trend termed marketing politics.
Marketing politics is a trend that has proven to be very expensive in the recent presidential election in United States of America which saw Barrack Hussein Obama Jr. being elected as the first black President. He is reported to shell out a huge amount of money for his presidential campaign.
Is marketing politics a trend or a fad in Malaysia? I bet it is here to stay for a long time...to know my reasoning ..read on!
What is in store for us, Malaysians? General Election 12 on 8 March 2008, the recently concluded UMNO General Assembly, PAS Muktamar and numerous by elections were all clear tell tale signs that Malaysian politics has caught on this trend ..of marketing politics. Lest the Malaysian politicians naively think that they have reached the pinnacle of their career, by attaining the market share in the recent General Election 2008 or by elections, beware, for managing success and maintaining one's market share of voters loyalty is another battle field with new grounds to conquer all together.
The classic war and a favorite Harvard Business School case study between Coca Cola vs. Pepsi Cola or Mercedes vs. Lexus for market share and brand loyalty should be the lesson for these political entity in Malaysia. As aptly put by Mr Aftab, the writer of marketing politics, the ideology, the policy and how members of the said party communicate with the voters from on place to another, or from ethnic group to another does not change...if the political entity is applying good marketing politics. But, if marketing politics is underdeveloped, such being the case in Pakistan, it will lead to political instability and mistrust!. Another point to note is marketing politics involved lots of research, ground works and so forth. The question is, are Malaysian politicians and voters ready for this kind of game?
To know more about marketing politics, read on the excerpt from Mr. Aftab Hussein
Scope of Political Marketinghttp://www.political-marketing.net
Still this subject is in developing phase and need to do a lot to formally recognize Political Marketing as separate subject. In my point of view Political Marketing is highly significant in all countries especially in democrat governments and more especially to developed countries.
Political Marketing is essential for political parties, leaders, government and as well as for general public. Political Marketing brings stability in political culture of a country that in return brings prosperity in national economy at root and gross level. Without Political Marketing or misuse of Political Marketing it is really intricate to better understand public needs and it is so intricate to create and develop good governance in a society.
Visit http://www.political-marketing.net for more details
To better understand the scope of Political Marketing I would like to quote two examples. 1st for the country where Political Marketing is being implement since many years and in contrast to this the another country where Political culture is not developed yet in parties as well as political leaders are not aware about Political Marketing.On 1st hand I will like to quote USA. Where we can see very clear that Americans are implementing Political Marketing since many years in America, before elections the candidates create and develop a philosophy for their election campaign. So they are clear about what they are communicating in their dialogue. At all level their philosophy remains same, their goals, mission and objective does not change, audience to audience and place to place. What ever they communicate for coalition parties or public, in New York or in any other state, the theme of their communication at all level remains same because they are well prepared, we can’t find any contradiction in their speeches, it builds harmony and trust in public. As a result we can see that in America normally election forecasting is done before elections by survey and pools and election result proofs those predictions. Visit http://www.political-marketing.net for more details
On other hand I would like to quote an example of a developing country where political culture is not as developed yet. We can see that in Pakistan there is political instability, political leaders in Pakistan are not well aware about the importance of Political Marketing due to lack of knowledge. There is no research, no philosophy and no proper developed campaign. One leader is talking and communicating other things compare to other leader of same party, even we can notice very clearly that same leader is communicating in different way with different theme and objective on different occasions and at different territories. Its due to lack of research, lack of proper philosophy and agenda and without preparation of any centralized campaign. As a result public don’t believe their promises and other parties get advantage of their contradictions, however we can see instability, lack of trust inside party and no clear vision.If we summarize all discussion and keep in mind both examples its clear that without research, developed philosophy and centralized political marketing and election campaign and theme it is impossible to build public trust and harmony at national level. we must give a direction to political activities to get good results for a better future. For the reason our organization, political marketing services slogan is “VOTE FOR TOMORROW” that describes well all functions of political marketing at all levels, government, political parties, leaders and for public. To keep in touch with us please join Political Forum at http://www.political-marketing.net/forum Article written by Mr. Aftab Hussainhttp://www.political-marketing.net
Points to ponder: Building brands on Malaysian politicians.
What comes to mind if I mention the political brand of "Ibrahim Ali" or "Zulkifli Nordin"? We perceive them as being politicians with high integrity, one who steadfastly uphold a certain principle in life and politics, one that is not easily swayed by emotions nor pressure, come what it may, but one who is positively associated with championing an issue.
What comes to mind if I mention "Nizar Jamaluddin" political brand? It is a sure firebrand, but fast becoming a poster boy for political fiasco. Refer to his antics in Perak State Assembly and the recent Parliament House to know, if this politician can survive the positive branding on Malaysian politician and retain the present market share of voters loyalty.
Ehmm marketing consultant, anyone?
Posted on 26 June 2009