This study explores the media framing of the 2020 Sabah State Election in Malaysia, focusing on a collocational analysis of language used in online newspapers during the COVID-19 pandemic. By examining the frequency and patterns of key terms and phrases associated with the election, the research investigates how media outlets framed political narratives, public sentiments, and the pandemic’s influence on voter behavior. Utilizing a corpus linguistic approach, the study identifies common collocations in news coverage, revealing how the pandemic intertwined with political discourse, shaping public perceptions of health, safety, and governance. Findings indicate that media outlets predominantly framed the election within the context of crisis management, political instability, and the government’s response to COVID-19. The study highlights the role of language in constructing political realities and its implications for public opinion during times of national uncertainty. This research contributes to understanding the intersections between media, politics, and public health in a pandemic context.

media framing, Sabah State Election 2020, COVID-19 pandemic, collocational analysis, online newspapers, political discourse

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