Page 848 - Proceedings Collega2023

processes. In simpler terms, different types of conflicts have some things in common, and they can be
either peaceful or rebellious.

Over the past two decades, research in both media and social movement fields has shifted their
focus towards examining how social conflicts are influenced by the evolving features of today's media
environment. This shift has prompted a closer look at the potential role of new information and
communication technologies (ICTs) in facilitating the dissemination of alternative perspectives on social
contention (Vicari, 2013). In the ongoing discussions regarding whether and how new media can enhance
deliberative democracy and public discourse, there is a growing body of literature that focuses on social
media as the most up-to-date platform for public discussions and debates related to social issues. Kwak,
H., Lee, C., Park, H., & Moon, (2010)in their work explain that social media provide an interaction
platform for the people to share views or opinions, related to social issues, and at the same time they get
other different or additional opinions from other people, or dialogical interactions mean meaningful
back-and-forth conversations offers both augmentation and opposition to a certain idea, thereby shaping
contention. Therefore, this is a unique situation that allows us to examine the implications of interactions
on social media, which are crucial in today's world. At the same time, we can explore how 'budi' plays a
role in disciplining the clash of differing ideas, particularly from the perspectives of religion, ethnicity, and
politics, which form the foundation of an individual's mindset.

Malaysia, a country renowned for its rich tapestry of diverse cultures and backgrounds coexisting
harmoniously, the concept of politeness holds particular significance. It goes beyond mere etiquette and
courtesy, encompassing the use of language that is not only refined and courteous but also reflective of a
deep respect for one's conversational partner. This notion of politeness is intrinsically tied to the
Malaysian concept of 'budi,' which encapsulates a noble demeanour and embodies values of kindness,
empathy, and consideration for others. In an examination of interactions and societal behavior within the
Malaysian context, a recurring theme that emerges is the importance of tolerance. Researchers have
suggested that fostering this sense of tolerance, coupled with mindful decision-making, can significantly
contribute to achieving and maintaining unity and harmony within the country. It becomes clear that the
principles of good conduct and tolerance are deeply embedded in the histories of all major communities
in Malaysia, providing a shared foundation that can serve to reinforce unity and elevate 'budi' as a
common and unifying value. Furthermore, as the fabric of Malaysian society is characterized by its
multifaceted diversity, social contention, or the conflicts, disputes, and disagreements that naturally arise
within the context of society, is a reality that cannot be ignored. These conflicts span a wide range of
issues and debates, often stemming from differing ideas, particularly in areas such as religion, ethnicity,
and politics, which form the bedrock of an individual's mindset. With all above, we would like to propose
the following hypothesis; Given the deeply ingrained principles of "budi", it can serve as a cultural bridge
in multi-racial societies, fostering understanding and harmony by emphasizing shared values of respect
where each ethnic group will interact in a balanced manner in promoting and maintaining good conduct
and tolerance.

Methodology

In this article I employs an innovative methodological approach to analyse political discourse in
the digital age. Our research seeks to understand key thematic discussions within this context by utilizing
correlational analysis. This study is case specific and uses the sample from virtual ethnography (Carter,

International Conference on Local Wisdom of the Malay Archipelago (COLLEGA 2023) Page - 835 -