Cheeky game puts politics in the hands of Malaysians

(CNN) — Politics might well be a dirty game, but in Malaysia where allegations of vote-buying, sex scandals and violence are a feature of the political landscape, a group of disaffected activists have distilled these predictable shabby tricks into a popular card game.

Called Politiko, players are asked to woo voters with cash handouts, use elements of Sharia law to lay low rivals, or pour petrol subsidies on troubled electoral waters.

“Hire phantom voters. Control the media. Cook up a sex scandal to alienate your enemy’s supporters – or to betray your own allies!” says the game’s website.

“Choose from 10 distinct (and familiar) political parties to lead to victory. Play with up to six friends, of any race. But are they really your friends? Remember: it’s not about the people — it’s about Putrajaya,” it adds, referring to Malaysia’s administrative capital.

The tongue-in-cheek game is loosely based on Monopoly Deal but instead of dealing in property, players compete to get voters – the first to hold eight voter cards gets elected to parliament.

View Full Story: http://edition.cnn.com/2013/05/04/world/asia/malaysia-politiko/