JASIN: Barisan Nasional deputy chairman Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan has cautioned voters against misinformation generated using artificial intelligence (AI) during the Melaka election campaign, citing a fabricated TikTok video that falsely portrayed him as promising RM25,000 to everyone.
Mohamad said the emergence of such videos was worrying as AI technology had made it increasingly easy to imitate politicians’ voices and spread misleading information.
“Yesterday, there was a TikTok video claiming that I had said everyone would receive RM25,000. When did I ever say that?
“These days, it is easy to create TikTok videos using AI to imitate people’s voices and do all sorts of things.
“I hope the public will not be confused or misled because much of this content is generated using AI,” he said when met while accompanying BN candidate for the Rim seat Datuk Khaidirah Abu Zahar on her campaign trail here.
Mohamad said political attacks were common during elections but should not be allowed to undermine the state or the country.
He said election campaigns should instead focus on the ability of political parties and candidates to deliver effective governance and development for the people.
“Political attacks are normal, but they should not go to the extent of destroying the state or the country.
“In an election, we should be offering the people a choice of who can carry out their responsibilities and deliver good governance. That should be the main focus,” he said.
Mohamad also urged BN’s election machinery to remain vigilant against last-minute attempts to mislead voters, particularly through false allegations and deliberately manufactured controversies.
He said campaign workers must continue engaging with voters and explaining issues that could cause confusion among local communities.
“Our party machinery must understand this and continue engaging with the people, explaining issues that are deliberately raised even when they are untrue.
“They must remain vigilant because all sorts of tactics can emerge at the last minute to confuse voters and gain sympathy,” he said.