{
  "id": 18830231,
  "title": "Petua 10: Gaya bahasa samar, berlapik dan mengelirukan–senjata sulit propaganda moden",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/08/petua-10-gaya-bahasa-samar-berlapik-dan-mengelirukan-senjata-sulit",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-08T00:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/opinion/2026/11/08/petua-10-gaya-bahasa-samar-berlapik-dan-mengelirukan-senjata-sulit-propaganda-moden"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In today's political landscape flooded with information, propaganda has shifted from using blunt, forceful, and overt methods to employing subtle and confusing language. According to Jason Stanley, a professor of philosophy at Yale University and author of How Propaganda Works (2015), modern propaganda succeeds not because it confuses, but because it distorts truth through misunderstood facts. Propaganda's language becomes a tool to control people's thoughts in a subtle, nearly invisible way, yet effectively shaping what people believe to be true. Stanley explains that modern propaganda functions by blocking critical discourse. It's not just about stopping information access, but manipulating the meaning of information so people can't make rational judgments. The language used appears professional, technical, and rational, but it actually conceals the actual actions or covers up failures. For example, when subsidies are withdrawn, they are referred to as \"restructuring assistance mechanisms\" or \"rationalizing subsidies.\" When there are issues in governance, phrases such as \"under review,\" \"assessment being made,\" or \"matter under thorough investigation\" are heard. All these phrases sound polite and convincing, but upon close examination, they don't explain anything. The art of propaganda through deceptive language is effective because it fulfills two political needs: first, it maintains the government's image; second, it reassures the populace to prevent panic. Stanley categorizes propaganda into two types: supporting propaganda uses language that appears to support democratic values like integrity, professionalism, and stability, but the real goal is to maintain government power. Undermining propaganda, on the other hand, is language that appears rational but is used to cover up dishonesty or actions that contradict public interest. Both types use the same language - evasive, intricate, and patient - to function differently based on the context. In modern society, incisive language is used to manage people's perceptions and emotions. When sensitive issues arise like rising prices, failures of mega projects, weaknesses in institutions, or ethnic tensions, governments tend to use soothing phrases. 'Managing global economic pressure,' 'restructuring the fiscal structure,' 'strengthening the management system,' or 'carrying out improvements in processes' are all examples of how language is used to mask reality. People hear pleasant-sounding words, but don't understand what actual actions are being carried out. Stanley emphasizes that modern propaganda also works through information overload. In a system where media is directly or indirectly controlled, one-sided information becomes the norm. People rely on 'official truths,' and government language becomes the language of media. Therefore, the same incisive language is repeated through news, newspaper statements, economic reports, and speeches by leaders. This repetition ultimately makes propaganda language commonplace. People don't realize they're being influenced, as the language used is not coarse or deceptive, but professional and subtle. Deceptive language is also used to create an unnamed enemy. This technique is highly effective because it plants emotions without the need for evidence. Phrases like 'certain parties are trying to undermine national stability,' 'foreign agenda is infiltrating,' or 'extremism cannot be taken lightly' are often used without a clear identity. People hear threats, feel concern, but don't know who the real enemy is. This technique creates a controlled fear and provides justification for the government to act more aggressively, pass stricter laws, or control the public arena. In the context of Malaysia, the culture of incisive language has long been ingrained. When a communal issue arises, the term 'societal sensitivity' is used to prevent continuous discussion about discrimination or inequality. When a scandal occurs, the term 'small faction' is used. When the economy declines, 'economic structure adjustment' becomes the choice. When the government fails to manage a disaster, the phrase 'coordination challenge' is used to divert attention from management shortcomings. This language is not wrong, but it distances the public from understanding the real situation. Propaganda through deceptive language works not by forcing people to believe something, but by filling the gap between explanation and misunderstanding. People who don't receive real information eventually build their own narratives based on assumptions and feelings. This is what Stanley means when he says modern propaganda sometimes manipulates human rationality. It restrains people from thinking, but teaches them to accept deception as truth. In the digital age, deceptive language is more important due to the rapid spread of information. Propagandists need to manage public perception quickly, and incisive language gives them time. A single deceitful statement is enough to stop criticism for 24 hours while the communication strategy is arranged. For example, when there's an issue with an operation, statements like 'the system is being upgraded' or 'technical problems are being resolved' help cover up public pressure while time is sought to resolve the issue. The result is a world full of words but empty meaning. People hear many words, but little fact. They feel informed, but in reality, they receive through deception. The most successful propaganda is propaganda that makes people believe they understand a subject when they actually don't.",
  "summary": "Propaganda ialah manipulasi kehendak rasional manusia sehingga perbincangan terhenti. Ia bukan hanya menutup kebenaran tetapi menutup pintu untuk bertanya.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}