PRU.my, a new online polling platform has reported that 12,963 people signed up to cast their predictions for Malaysia’s 15th general election (GE15). A total of 935,714 predictions covering all contested seats at the parliament and state assembly levels were recorded. Within 12 hours of going live, the platform already had 700 signups, and in less than one week the number surpassed 12,000. PRU.my is a project founded by Silentmode Sdn. Bhd., a technology company from Bangi.
Reza Razali, founder of Silentmode and PRU.my said, “Our idea was to provide a convenient way for people to cast their predictions for GE15. We knew online polling platforms like what we were trying to do with PRU.my were not common among Malaysians during election time. We still went on with the idea anyway and we are grateful for the response received.”
Part of the mission of PRU.my was also to encourage people to participate in the process of democracy, especially young Malaysians who were qualified to vote for the first time.
Two participants on PRU.my, Amar Muhd and Faisal Abdullah Bada, successfully scored the highest point of 78, which translated into 171 correct votes – the closest to the actual results of GE15.
According to Amar Muhd, 21, he did some social media listening. He said, “I spent time listening to what young voters like me were discussing on social media and I also looked at what happened in GE14 to give me some perspectives.”
Meanwhile, Faisal Abdullah Bada, 36, explained, “I extrapolated data points from GE14 results and discussions I had with peers, public opinions as well as patterns of political parties in key seats.” Faisal applauded Silentmode’s initiative to organize the virtual polling.
“We didn’t expect perfect scores. What the two gentlemen achieved was impressive. Congratulations to Amar and Faisal!” Reza commented.
Amar and Faisal each received an iPad 10th generation from PRU.my for their achievements.
PRU.my was built as a project by a group of interns and newly hired staff. Reza stated, “We’re thrilled that thousands of people participated by casting their predictions. I am proud of the team behind PRU.my whose hard work has positively impacted the community.”
“The GE15 polling on PRU.my was a good start. We are interested in further developing the platform to have bigger missions such as to run thematic polls during elections,” Reza concluded.
