“3R issues will lose their appeal if the government can tackle economic woes and ensure equitable wealth distribution among all the races.” - Muhamad Syahmi Shamsudin
In run-up to state polls, young Malay voters focusing on jobs and better standard of living
THE Aug 12 polls in six states are largely seen by political pundits as a contest for Malay votes and support.
Issues of race, religion and economic concerns are expected to be raised in the struggle to win voters, especially youths.
However, some Malay youths in the Klang Valley who spoke to StarMetro believe racial and religious issues would have minimal impact on their political outlook.
For them, bread-and-butter concerns outweighed everything else.
Nur Yasmin Hanis Shamsul Bahri, 23, from Kota Baru, Kelantan, said living in Kuala Lumpur had transformed the way she viewed politics.
In 2019, she moved to the capital city to pursue her degree in international relations at a public university.
“I was comfortable in my bubble. I did not see the impact that politics could have on the lives of ordinary people,” said Nur Yasmin who is looking forward to casting her ballot in the state seat of Tanjong Mas, Kelantan next month.
For her, development and employment were key issues in deciding which party to vote for.
Contentious issues such as the use of the word ‘Allah’ would have little bearing on her decision, she said.
“I am more interested to know how the parties plan to attract investment into my state, which has long been seen as underdeveloped,” she added.
Muhamad Syahmi Shamsudin, 24, a final-year political science student, will cast his vote for the Semenyih seat in Selangor.
Like Nur Yasmin, he said economic concerns and climate- related matters outweighed the influence of the 3R (race, religion and royalty) issues.
Nur Yasmin says living in Klang Valley has changed how she sees politics.
“3R issues will lose their appeal if the government can tackle economic woes and ensure equitable wealth distribution among all the races,” he said.
For Muhamad Syahmi, caretaker Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari’s track record in managing the state would be his main consideration in the polls.
Candidates’ charisma and efforts at reaching out to young voters, he added, would also hugely influence support among his age group.
“It’s not enough for candidates to maintain a social media presence, their personal touch is also needed,” he added.
Ahmad Rifa’i Abd Rahman, 23, from Paka, Terengganu, also said economic concerns such as unemployment was topmost on his mind.
The industrial logistics degree student, who currently lives in Kuala Lumpur, plans to return to his hometown to vote.
“Welfare of university students and infrastructure development are my main considerations when voting.
“Although the gig economy is picking up, the high cost of living has made this a non-viable career option,” he said.
Ahmad Rifa’i says the candidate’s personality will factor into his voting decision.
Ahmad Rifa’i added that he would look at the candidates’ personality and track record, and not just the political party they belonged to.
He, however, stressed that his views might not reflect those held by his peers in the east coast states.
Final-year journalism student Farhan Hakimi Anwar, 23, said there must be a balance between economic concerns and the 3R issues.
There was a growing divide among Malay youths in terms of how they perceived the issues deemed central to their identity, he added.
For now, however, Farhan said concerns over unemployment and minimum wage would still take precedence over other matters.
Farhan says unemployment and minimum wage issues will take precedence among youths.
“These issues are affecting the youths directly,” said Farhan who will be voting in Kinrara, Selangor.
He said the party, not candidate, was his priority when casting his ballot.
“Ultimately, the candidates will have to support their party’s policies. Voting for the party ensures optimal impact.”
On July 7, it was reported that 22.2% of 9.8 million voters in the upcoming polls were aged between 21 and 29.
The Election Commission had said that voters aged 30 to 39 also made up about 22% of the electoral roll. (See graphic)
Out of the total number of voters, Selangor recorded the highest with 3.75 million.
This was followed by Kedah (1.6 million), Kelantan (1.4 million) and Penang (1.23 million).
Terengganu recorded about 930,000 and Negri Sembilan 864,000 voters.
