Table of Contents

Online threats and risky behaviour from the perspective of Malaysian youths
Moniza Waheed
Abstract: The usage of the internet has become inevitable in this day and age. While there are many benefits that come with its usage, there is also a lot of harm, particularly for adolescents. While there are ample studies proving this, there are no known studies which explain the indulgence of online risky behaviour from the perspective of the youth. Therefore, the main...
Media reporting of suicide: A comparative framing analysis of Malaysian newspapers
*Justin Victor, Jenny Heng Gek Koon, G. Manickam Govindaraju, Tan Poh Ling, Usha Devi Rajaratnam & Yang Lai Fong
Abstract: In the next ten years, suicide cases will emerge as the second highest cause of death in Malaysia (MOH). The World Health Organization cautions that media coverage of suicide could heighten the incidences of suicide or generate a protective effect by responsible media reporting. In light of the role of media, and how the reach of mainstream articles gets amplified through new media, the need to study suicide reports is...
Influence of satirical media content on orientation to politics among Nigerian youths
*Lambe Kayode Mustapha, Bahiyah Omar & Shukurat Abiola Atoloye
Abstract: This study investigates the political enculturation roles of mediated political satire and comedy in a developing democratic milieu. Amidst anxieties and controversies about whether increasing dominance of political satire in the media intensifies political apathy or stimulate political interest among the youth, we surveyed 366 undergraduates in two universities in North Central Nigeria to test the predictive power of exposure...
Framing of the 1MDB financial scandal: A comparative study of the coverage by The Star and Malaysiakini
Thanaraj Murudi & *Su-Hie Ting
Abstract: This paper looks at the framing of a financial scandal involving top government officials by a mainstream news medium (The Star) and an alternative news medium (Malaysiakini) before the historic change of the country’s ruling party. In particular, the paper reveals why a financial scandal became politicised, and how a controversial issue was framed within the context of lawsuit threats and newspaper permit suspension. A total of...
A political discourse analysis of the twitter posts of @najibrazak prior to 2018 general elections
Mohd Faizal Kasmani
Abstract: The microblogging site Twitter gives politicians greater autonomy and enables them to operate individually by easily communicating online and on a personal level with the public. Based on the framework of Political Discourse Analysis, this article analyses the language use on the Twitter posts of former Malaysian Prime Minister, Najib Razak – @NajibRazak. This paper attempts...
Social media fandom for health promotion? Insights from East Los High, a transmedia edutainment initiative
*Hua Wang, Weiai Xu, Gregory D. Saxton & Arvind Singhal
Abstract: As digital media technologies proliferate and social media spaces expand, how does one leverage popularity and cultivate fandom to promote health? Despite the easy entry, broad reach, and interactive features of social media such as Facebook and Twitter, health promoters are unsure how to meaningfully engage users and build lasting online communities. In this...
Determining media use competencies in media literacy curriculum design for the digital society: A modified 2-Wave Delphi method
*Sabariah Mohamed Salleh, Rosya Izyanie Shamshudeen, Wan Anita Wan Abas & Ezhar Tamam
Abstract: Media literacy is vital for the proper functioning and well-being of individuals in a democratic society. However, an equally important consideration which has not been adequately addressed is ensuring that the media literacy course syllabus in schools and universities are relevant to the needs and challenges of the contemporary society. A modified two-wave Delphi study...
Framing the bilateral relations between Malaysia and China: The news coverage of flight MH370
*Yang Lai Fong & Ramachandran Ponnan
Abstract: The mysterious disappearance of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 in March 2014 was a test of the bilateral relations between Malaysia and China. Two thirds of passengers on the flight were Chinese citizens. Immediately after the tragedy, many in China accused Malaysia of being incompetent, dubious and even deceitful due to its authorities’ missteps and contradictory...
Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest ‘hunk’ of them all? Negotiating a masculine notion of skin whitening for Malaysian men
*Huey Fen Cheong & Surinderpal Kaur
Abstract: The increase in the number of men who have become more meticulous about their grooming and appearance, also known as metrosexuals, indicates that the beauty industry no longer focuses on females alone. While metrosexuality is making its presence felt in society, the increased sales of male fairness creams particularly in the East reveals another trend, male skin...
Exploring viewer experiences with sageuk K-dramas from a parasocial relations perspective
*Nurzihan Hassim, Sheila Yvonne Jayasainan & Nur Leila Khalid
Abstract: The formulaic content of Korean dramas or K-dramas, particularly from the resurging sageuk genre that integrates elements of history with modern twists of romance, has become more salient with viewers who find agency and opportunities for shared voices. This paper explores the significance of characters presented in sageuk K-dramas in shaping societal roles...