Reconstructing #NotMyPM from the #backdoorgovernment: a social actor analysis of Muhyiddin Yassin

Abstract

AbstractIn March 2020, Muhyiddin Yassin assumed power following Mahathir Mohamad’s resignation. However, his rise to office triggered significant backlash, with the hashtag “NotMyPM” trending on Twitter, reflecting widespread public discontent. This sentiment was rooted in the perception that his ascendancy contravened the people’s mandate and the democratic values upheld in Malaysia, resulting in his government being dubbed the ‘backdoor government.’ Amid the dual challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and a pivotal moment for democracy, this paper contends that a strategically constructed portrayal of Muhyiddin Yassin possesses the capacity to sway public sentiment directly or indirectly, thereby reshaping negative perceptions of his government. Drawing on van Leeuwen’s socio-semantic Social Actor Representation (SAR) framework, we analyze the strategies employed by the local news sites in their portrayal of Muhyiddin Yassin when reporting his first speech as prime minister on the second Economic Stimulus Package (ESP) in March 2020. The findings unveil a consistent utilization of distinct linguistic features and strategies across various online news platforms, effectively contributing to the cultivation of Muhyiddin Yassin’s image as a responsible and trustworthy leader.Keywords: social actor analysisMuhyiddin Yassinpersuasive strategiesonline news reportsMalaysia AcknowledgementThe authors extend our gratitude to the anonymous reviewers for their invaluable feedback and insights. Your input has greatly enriched the quality and depth of this work.Disclosure statementNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).Notes1 PN was formed in February 2020 the Malaysian United Indigenous Party (BERSATU), Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), Homeland Solidarity Party (STAR), Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP), and Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia (GERAKAN).Additional informationFundingThis research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.Notes on contributorsIzzah ‘Atirah HairiIzzah ‘Atirah Hairi is a graduate of the Department of English Language and Literature, AbdulHamid AbuSulayman Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences (AHAS KIRKHS), International Islamic University Malaysia.Siti Nurnadilla Mohamad JamilSiti Nurnadilla Mohamad Jamil is an assistant professor of linguistics at the Department of English Language and Literature, AbdulHamid AbuSulayman Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences (AHAS KIRKHS), International Islamic University Malaysia. Her research centres on argumentation analysis and campaign rhetoric, investigating how language shapes and constructs discourses related to race, racism, and marginalised communities within the diverse fabric of Malaysian society. She co-founded the Malaysian Discourse Research Group (MDRG) in 2020 and continues to co-convene its meetings on a monthly basis.