PASIR GUDANG: Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has urged young voters to make informed choices in the Johor state election, saying they will play a decisive role in determining the state’s political future.
The Deputy Prime Minister said about 51.5% of Johor’s electorate comprises voters aged 40 and below, including those aged 18 and first-time voters, making the group a key voting bloc in the 16th state election.
“On average, 51.5% of voters are young people aged 40 and below. They will be the determining voters,” he said when speaking at the Apa Khabar Siswa? programme at Politeknik Ibrahim Sultan here on Thursday (July 9).
Ahmad Zahid, who is also chairman of the National Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Council, said young people do not necessarily have to be actively involved in politics but should remain informed about political developments.
He said every vote mattered in determining the direction of both the state and the country.
“Voters aged 18 and first-time voters do not have to be involved in politics. If they want to participate, they can. I myself became active in politics when I was a student leader at Universiti Malaya.
“The important thing is that young people must keep themselves informed about politics even if they do not wish to be directly involved. Do not waste the opportunity to vote because every vote is crucial in determining the rise and fall of a political organisation,” he said.
Ahmad Zahid reminded young voters to choose their leaders wisely.
“Even though this is not a political campaign event, in my heart I hope young people will choose capable young leaders who can govern Johor well,” he said.
Barisan Nasional is contesting in all 56 seats and Johor will go to the polls this Saturday (July 11).
