KOTA KINABALU, Feb 12 — Parti Warisan Sabah is hoping to reach more voters and get funding through its new online platform — a website and mobile application.
Party president Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal said that the platform was created so that supporters could have direct access and interaction with the party over the internet.
“I believe we are the first in Malaysia to make use of technology this way. It’s not a new idea, Barack Obama used it in his presidential campaign but for us it will allow supporters to contribute to our cause, and we want them to tell that this is their struggle, too,” he said.
Shafie, in launching the app at their media room here today said that the new platform, which no other party has publicly used before, showed that the party is on the forefront of a new “wave of change”.
The app, named “Perjuangan Rakyat” can be downloaded for free on Google Play Store, Apple App Stores and on www.rakyatsproject.org.
The app provides news and updates related to the party, and a poll to gauge feedback and sentiment from the public.
When asked to comment on a recent critic by Bugaya state assemblyman Ramlee Marhaban who said the app was a ploy to get money from the public, Shafie said that it was known that the party did not have much funds and lack traditional resources to raise fund.
“We are a small party. We do not have the resources like the government has ― the media and funds. This way we can reach all Malaysians at large wherever they are,” he said, adding that there was no obligation for anyone to donate money.
Shafie said that the app was part of their online campaign which will play a big role for the party, particularly with the tech savvy generation who can spread information fast, and also for those who wanted to contribute to the party discreetly.
“Some people want to donate but are afraid of being harassed or pressured by other groups. They ask me how they can contribute, so this way they can willingly contribute if they want,” he said.
