Implications of political apology or non-apology for politicians in Malaysia: The early findings

摘要

Malaysia's political scene has been full of requests and demands for apology from errant politicians on certain sensitive issues. The media has had a field day covering the various politicians' resentment, annoyance and even rage at the slightest provocation of inadequacy or other accusations on the victim's part, and a righteous stance on the accuser's part. Name-calling and gutter politics are common news every week. Winning the war of words has become rhetoric when ego and stubbornness prevail. What triggered these psychological and behavioral tactics? Are these actions a well-thought plan or just charges of emotion? These are questions relevant to behavioral research and through literature ferreted, some situations can be explained through relevant political theories. Therefore, this paper will provide insights into past research projects that show the coordinated human behavioral elements manipulated by politicians to gain political mileage using the media. At the end of the day, who would gain the support of the citizens and the grassroots? Would he or she be the one who publicly apologize or would a non-apology be better for affiliated political party?.