Youths stand up to be counted

PETALING JAYA: An “old generation” mindset, a lack of maturity and a selfish desire for power instead of service to the country – these are among the things that annoy youths about politicians.

The youths, especially those in the urban Klang Valley, are now all geared up to exercise their responsibilities in the 15th General Election.

Many of them admitted that they had been uninterested in politics but the recent economic and political turbulence had made them more aware.

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“It is important to vote for a wise government. Most of our politicians are stuck in the ‘old generation’ mindset,” said Liew Yu Hang, a virtual reality developer, who said he hadn’t been interested in local politics before.

Wong Jing Siang, 26, a financial planner, also said he had little interest in local politics because “it’s too immature”.

Taking their responsibility seriously: (From left) Liew, Selena, Chan and Nur Farah. Although some had admitted they had been uninterested in politics, recent economic and political turbulence had sparked their interest.

Despite his lack of enthusiasm, Wong said he was concerned about issues like corruption.

“Also, most parties are just concerned about getting or holding on to power instead of serving the country,” said Wong, who will be voting in Kinrara, Puchong.

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Selena Ain Mohd Ridzwan, 20, from Selangor, will definitely be voting.

“Over the past few days, I have been posting about voting awareness on my Instagram stories and also reaching out to my Malaysian friends who are studying abroad to remind them to vote,” she said.

Selena expressed her hope that the next government would prioritise education, particularly for the Orang Asli.

“Most Orang Asli people only complete primary level formal education. They have an elementary education but drop out of high school.

“Only about 2% are successful in tertiary institutions,” she said.

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Selena said she also likes to see the issue of discriminatory citizenship laws addressed.

Currently, children born overseas to Malaysian mothers with foreign spouses are not granted citizenship but become citizens if the father is Malaysian and the mother is a foreigner.

She also hopes for a corruption-free government, with more youths coming to the forefront.

The coming general election will be the first one since the passing of the Undi18 Bill, which lowers the voting age, giving teens the vote.

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Chan Jun Hong, who works in telesales and support, fears a looming financial crisis with the ever-rising cost of living.

“Salaries are not increasing but (the cost of) daily necessities is going up,” said Chan, 24.

He is also uninterested in politics, saying that it’s just a waste of time.

In Penang, student Bryan Cheong, 19, said he and his friends have decided to cast their vote for the first time.

“We believe it is our responsibility as Malaysians to take part in the election. Every vote counts,” he said.

“I will vote for a leader who can fulfil promises. My checklist of a leader is someone who can connect with the people and listen closely to the people’s needs,” he said.

Another student, Muhammad Faiz Abdul Rahman, 20, said he would definitely cast his vote.

“I will look out for those who are helping the B40 group.

“I look forward to contributing, too, and hope there will be more opportunities for younger people,” he said.

“I read articles online about the political environment. My family and I seem to be on the same page when it comes to politics.

“We watch the news every night and exchange our views about it,” he added.

Nur Farah Hazeera Saimi said she would vote for someone who is free of scandals.

“I would also like to vote for someone who will push for a greener Malaysia.

“However, I do feel like I do not understand enough about politics. There are certain things that I am still trying to grasp,” she said.

“My parents do not have strong political opinions, so I try to read up on important issues.

“Maybe I will try to attend as many ceramah as I can to listen to their pledges and manifestos,” she added.