摘要：The new media, the Internet, has been used by businesses, government bodies, organisations, individuals etc. to conductbusiness, services and social transactions. The development and ascendancy of the Internet as an informationalmedium, has altered the information environment in which political elites and interested citizens function (Woodly2008). In Malaysia, for example, the Internet is used as an alternative to mainstream media which is viewed asbeing pro-establishment. As of now there are a few online newspapers, such as Malaysiakini, The Malaysian Insiderand blogs, with some of the blogs being run by former journalists. The run-up to Malaysia’s March 2008 GeneralElections had seen the Internet becoming a key political battleground for the first time as the use of ICT comes intofull bloom with the opposition parties using the medium more than the Government parties. Some characteristics ofHabermas concept of public sphere was truly mirrored in the run up to the General Elections and its aftermath wherethe Internet, via blogs, served as a public sphere for voters. As one of the characteristics of the public sphere whereall citizens are guaranteed access, with the advent of the Internet, anyone with a computer and Internet connection(including wireless) can have access to the Internet. The new media has gradually penetrated the Malaysian politicalscenario affecting the status quo as seen in the March 2008 General Elections. The government can no longer underestimate the power and influence of the new media
关键词：New media; democracy; general elections; blogs; Malaysia
