KUALA LUMPUR — Many ministers are fading from public view as they increasingly avoid the media, leaving political leadership “invisible” and forgettable in the eyes of the public.
Veteran election analyst Dr. G Manimaran observed that leadership communication has weakened because ministers treat the press as hostile rather than as a bridge to the people.
He cautioned that this communication crisis could have serious consequences in the upcoming Johor state election on July 11 and Negeri Sembilan state election on August 1, where leadership visibility will be tested.
“In the past, ministers were easily remembered because they frequently appeared in the media. Now, many shy away from journalists, attend fewer events, and receive less coverage. Their faces no longer stick in the public’s mind,” he told the Scoop Insight podcast hosted by Habibah Omar and Suzan Ahmad.
The author of Pilihan Raya Demokrasi Malaysia: Tanding, Pilih, Menang, Tadbir and former member of the Electoral Reform Committee pointed out that the problem stems from a leadership gap and the absence of new political figures willing to engage openly.
“The media should help promote leaders, not be avoided. When communication breaks down, leadership images disappear,” Manimaran emphasized.
He warned that voters are growing increasingly uncertain about political offerings.
“If leaders are not visible, the people cannot tell who truly represents them. The role of elected representatives becomes blurred.”
According to Manimaran, political parties must nurture a new generation of leaders unafraid to face the media and able to address core issues such as the cost of living, job opportunities, and quality of life.
“Back to basics — elected representatives must solve the people’s problems. The media is a crucial bridge to deliver that message. Without communication, leadership will continue to sink,” he remarked.
The Johor and Negeri Sembilan polls are expected to be key battlegrounds testing the strength of major political coalitions, with economic pressures, living costs, and leadership visibility set to dominate the campaign. — June 24, 2026