Table of Contents
Special Issue: 4th International Conference on Islam, Media and Communication (ICIMaC2024) Preliminary
ABOUT THE JOURNAL
Aims & Scope: The aim of the SEARCH Journal of Media and Communication Research is to promote and enhance research development and debates in the field of media and communication research. It also serves as a forum for researchers and industry players who use research as the frame for social awareness and change. We welcome any submission of manuscripts throughout the year. Authors are invited to submit scholarly works on communication such as International Relations, Media...
Aims & Scope: The aim of the SEARCH Journal of Media and Communication Research is to promote and enhance research development and debates in the field of media and communication research. It also serves as a forum for researchers and industry players who use research as the frame for social awareness and change. We welcome any submission of manuscripts throughout the year. Authors are invited to submit scholarly works on communication such as International Relations, Media...
A three-dimensional discourse analysis about the performance of Chinese language media’s coverage of Malaysia Madani concepts: A case study of Sin Chew Daily
*Mahizer Hamzah, Ye Yanfang
Abstract: Malaysian MADANI is a governance philosophy that aligns with the mainstream values of the world and Asia. The Malaysian Chinese must fully understand and implement these concepts as an essential part of the Malaysian population. As an important pillar of the Malaysian Chinese community, the Chinese-language media is responsible for reporting on the MADANI concepts to the target audience. This study selected Sin Chew Daily, the most widely read Chinese-language media in Malaysia, as the research subject. A sample of 100 articles was selected using quota purposive sampling, based on ten news topics: politics, economy, culture, cases...
Abstract: Malaysian MADANI is a governance philosophy that aligns with the mainstream values of the world and Asia. The Malaysian Chinese must fully understand and implement these concepts as an essential part of the Malaysian population. As an important pillar of the Malaysian Chinese community, the Chinese-language media is responsible for reporting on the MADANI concepts to the target audience. This study selected Sin Chew Daily, the most widely read Chinese-language media in Malaysia, as the research subject. A sample of 100 articles was selected using quota purposive sampling, based on ten news topics: politics, economy, culture, cases...
Boycotting! Communicating identity versus emotion in regard to Tufan al-Aqsa
*Norhayati Rafida Abdul Rahim, Ihab Ahmed Awais
Abstract: In Malaysia, the boycott of Israeli products has become more prominent among Malaysian Muslims because of the Tufan al-Aqsa war in Palestine. However, the understanding of the boycott is still unclear whether it indicates an emotional expression against the act of Israel oppressing Gaza or is an act of collective identity of Malaysians, where by not joining in, it brings forth embarrassment in front of others. A quantitative approach was employed to measure the understanding of the war and its relation to collective identity and emotional expression towards the Tufan al Aqsa war in Palestine among Malaysian Muslims. The research instrument was a...
Abstract: In Malaysia, the boycott of Israeli products has become more prominent among Malaysian Muslims because of the Tufan al-Aqsa war in Palestine. However, the understanding of the boycott is still unclear whether it indicates an emotional expression against the act of Israel oppressing Gaza or is an act of collective identity of Malaysians, where by not joining in, it brings forth embarrassment in front of others. A quantitative approach was employed to measure the understanding of the war and its relation to collective identity and emotional expression towards the Tufan al Aqsa war in Palestine among Malaysian Muslims. The research instrument was a...
Net and political segregation: The polarisation of anti-Pancasila discourses on Twitter
*Muria Endah Sokowati
Abstract: Ben Anderson stated that the media creates imagined communities using images and vernaculars that perpetuate stereotypes to the audience. It then relates them to one another. However, the use of social media today makes the imagined community concept paradoxical. People now tend to seek out social settings they prefer, and they cluster in communities of like-mindedness. Accordingly, a nation will grow more politically segregated, resulting in growing intolerance in political differences and making national consensus impossible. Discussions on social media preceding the 2019 General Election in Indonesia demonstrate this segregation, particularly...
Abstract: Ben Anderson stated that the media creates imagined communities using images and vernaculars that perpetuate stereotypes to the audience. It then relates them to one another. However, the use of social media today makes the imagined community concept paradoxical. People now tend to seek out social settings they prefer, and they cluster in communities of like-mindedness. Accordingly, a nation will grow more politically segregated, resulting in growing intolerance in political differences and making national consensus impossible. Discussions on social media preceding the 2019 General Election in Indonesia demonstrate this segregation, particularly...
Contrasting narratives: A critical discourse analysis of the BBC and Al Jazeera’s coverage of the October 2023 Gaza War
*Mohd Faizal Kasmani
Abstract: This article compares the BBC and Al Jazeera English’s online news coverage of the October 2023 Gaza War during its early stages. It uses the framework of critical discourse analysis (CDA) to examine how language and social practices shape each outlet’s reporting. The analysis covers the period from October 7 to October 9, 2023. Excluding blogs and picture news, the BBC published 11 news reports and Al Jazeera, 13. The main questions concern the similarities and differences between the BBC and Al Jazeera’s coverage and the reasons behind them. Findings indicate that the BBC emphasises Israeli victimhood and frames Hamas as the primary aggressor, while Al...
Abstract: This article compares the BBC and Al Jazeera English’s online news coverage of the October 2023 Gaza War during its early stages. It uses the framework of critical discourse analysis (CDA) to examine how language and social practices shape each outlet’s reporting. The analysis covers the period from October 7 to October 9, 2023. Excluding blogs and picture news, the BBC published 11 news reports and Al Jazeera, 13. The main questions concern the similarities and differences between the BBC and Al Jazeera’s coverage and the reasons behind them. Findings indicate that the BBC emphasises Israeli victimhood and frames Hamas as the primary aggressor, while Al...
Media frames and cybercrime: Understanding Malaysian online news coverage
*Sun Jing Wen, Sang Kun, Tan Poh Ling
Abstract: The rise of cybercrime, encompassing fraud, harassment, and the dissemination of false information has become a significant national concern in Malaysia. While cybersecurity has been extensively studied, limited attention has been given to the media’s role in reporting cybercrime and shaping public perceptions. This study addresses this gap by examining how the Malaysian mainstream online newspapers like The Star, China Press, and Harian Metro frame cybercrime. Guided by the framing theory and employing content analysis as the methodology, the research analysed 254 articles published between 2022 and 2023. It investigated the types of news...
Abstract: The rise of cybercrime, encompassing fraud, harassment, and the dissemination of false information has become a significant national concern in Malaysia. While cybersecurity has been extensively studied, limited attention has been given to the media’s role in reporting cybercrime and shaping public perceptions. This study addresses this gap by examining how the Malaysian mainstream online newspapers like The Star, China Press, and Harian Metro frame cybercrime. Guided by the framing theory and employing content analysis as the methodology, the research analysed 254 articles published between 2022 and 2023. It investigated the types of news...
Cultivating consciousness: Unveiling TikTok’s detrimental effects on youth mindset and behaviour
*Sofia Hayati Yusoff, Suria Hani A Rahman, Rosidayu Sabran, Fauziah Hassan, Rosninawati Hussin, Nurhilman Hizami Shamsol Baharin
Abstract: TikTok, a burgeoning social media platform, has captured the interest of today’s youth at an alarming rate. This research delves into the detrimental effect of TikTok content on the mindset and behaviour of young users, with a specific focus on its adverse implications. Its objective is to unveil the negative repercussions of TikTok on the youth psyche, particularly concerning self-esteem and body image, while also scrutinising its influence on behaviours like addiction and procrastination. The study stems from mounting concerns regarding TikTok’s potential harm to young individuals and the necessity to comprehend the correlation between social media...
Abstract: TikTok, a burgeoning social media platform, has captured the interest of today’s youth at an alarming rate. This research delves into the detrimental effect of TikTok content on the mindset and behaviour of young users, with a specific focus on its adverse implications. Its objective is to unveil the negative repercussions of TikTok on the youth psyche, particularly concerning self-esteem and body image, while also scrutinising its influence on behaviours like addiction and procrastination. The study stems from mounting concerns regarding TikTok’s potential harm to young individuals and the necessity to comprehend the correlation between social media...
Empowering women in leadership: Public relations within the Malaysia MADANI context
*Yamunah Mohan, Nur Kareelawati Abd. Karim
Abstract: This paper critically examines the participation and leadership of women in the Malaysian public relations (PR) industry, focusing on the Malaysia Madani framework. The study explores how gender bias, structural barriers, and cultural norms continue to hinder women’s advancement in leadership roles within the industry despite their growing presence. By analysing the principles of the Malaysia Madani framework—sustainability, care, compassion, respect, innovation, prosperity, and trust—the paper evaluates the potential for these values to address existing inequalities and foster a more inclusive and equitable PR industry. The findings...
Abstract: This paper critically examines the participation and leadership of women in the Malaysian public relations (PR) industry, focusing on the Malaysia Madani framework. The study explores how gender bias, structural barriers, and cultural norms continue to hinder women’s advancement in leadership roles within the industry despite their growing presence. By analysing the principles of the Malaysia Madani framework—sustainability, care, compassion, respect, innovation, prosperity, and trust—the paper evaluates the potential for these values to address existing inequalities and foster a more inclusive and equitable PR industry. The findings...
Hudud oh hudud: An analysis of the discourse on sharia law in English Malaysian news portals
*Muhammad Raqib Mohd Sofian, Safiyyah Ahmad Sabri, Muhamad Zaki Mustafa
Abstract: Islam often dominates media headlines, particularly following the events of 9/11, sparking an upsurge in negative opinions about the religion, both in Western contexts and among Malaysian citizens. In addition to being linked to violence and terrorism, sharia law, particularly hudud punishments, is frequently portrayed negatively due to its perceived harshness, contributing to unfavourable views of Islam. In Malaysia, sharia law applies exclusively to Muslims and includes penalties such as stoning for adultery, whipping for abortion, and amputation for theft. This study examines how Malaysian English news portals report on sharia law, with a...
Abstract: Islam often dominates media headlines, particularly following the events of 9/11, sparking an upsurge in negative opinions about the religion, both in Western contexts and among Malaysian citizens. In addition to being linked to violence and terrorism, sharia law, particularly hudud punishments, is frequently portrayed negatively due to its perceived harshness, contributing to unfavourable views of Islam. In Malaysia, sharia law applies exclusively to Muslims and includes penalties such as stoning for adultery, whipping for abortion, and amputation for theft. This study examines how Malaysian English news portals report on sharia law, with a...
Madani Society’s insights on prophetic communication for enhancing social well-being: Events from the Madinah era
*Nur Bakri bin Abd Hamid, Hazrul Hizam Karim, Muhammad Izzul Syahmi Zulkepli
Abstract: This paper delves into the powerful role of prophetic communication during the Madinah era and its continued relevance in promoting social well-being today. Focusing on the leadership of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in Medina, particularly through the guiding principles of the Medina Charter, the study reveals how prophetic communication can foster harmony among diverse religious, cultural, and ethnic groups. Rooted in values like tolerance, justice, and mutual respect, prophetic communication offers a timeless framework for building united, thriving communities. Through a qualitative approach, this research examines how the...
Abstract: This paper delves into the powerful role of prophetic communication during the Madinah era and its continued relevance in promoting social well-being today. Focusing on the leadership of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in Medina, particularly through the guiding principles of the Medina Charter, the study reveals how prophetic communication can foster harmony among diverse religious, cultural, and ethnic groups. Rooted in values like tolerance, justice, and mutual respect, prophetic communication offers a timeless framework for building united, thriving communities. Through a qualitative approach, this research examines how the...
