JOHOR BARU: The “nonchalant” and “caring is cringe” labels often associated with Gen Z may dominate social media conversations.
However, some young voters say such stereotypes do not reflect their interest in politics and current affairs.
In Gen Z slang, nonchalant and cringe culture refer to people who intentionally act unbothered, calm and putting in no effort.
But for Venice Seah Wei Yee, who will be voting for the first time, said young people were paying attention, even if their political conversations often begin on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram.
“Gen Z is often linked to trending culture to fit into the digital world but my friends and I are quite aware of the news.
“We can talk about it for hours and even turn it into debates.
“People assume that we do not know much but actually, we are observing and paying attention,” said Seah, who would be voting in the Permas Jaya state seat in Johor.
Seah, 19, highlighted issues like education policies, global conflicts, technology and cost of living as her main concerns.
“As someone waiting for my degree intake, I am also concerned about how the Higher Education Ministry ensures fairness for all students in accessing public universities,” she added.
The upcoming Johor polls will once again place young voters in the spotlight.
During the previous Johor and Negri Sembilan polls, Gen Z voters formed the majority of the youth voter segment with those aged 18 to 29 accounting for nearly a third of the electorate in both states.
Another first-time voter, Nur Amirah Syafiqah Arman, 20, said state election matters as decisions made by the state government would affect their future.
“I do not follow political developments every day but I keep abreast with important issues on social media before casting my vote,” she said.
However, the Buloh Kasap (in Segamat) voter said youths should also cross-check information.
She would like to see more discussions on topics such as job opportunities, cost of living, housing and financial aid for students.
“Issues like scholarships, financial assistance and allowances for students undergoing industrial training are important because the cost of living is quite high,” she said.
For K. Thinesh, 20, he said youths were not interested in political rhetoric but more on public welfare and helping the less fortunate.
“I hope to see more efforts in addressing welfare and food security issues.
“Previously, I was not interested in politics until my mother, who is a single parent, received financial assistance from the state government.
“That made me realise how such assistance could directly assist the poor and needy,” he said.
Thinesh, who was automatically registered as a voter in the Kota Iskandar state seat, said he looked forward to casting his vote for the first time with his twin sister.
Johor will go to the polls on July 11.
