Many trade party loyalty for economic reality and candidate character
BAHAU: In the quieter parts of Negri Sembilan, many young voters are still forming their political identities, even as they prepare to cast their ballots.
With one in four voters in the state aged between 18 and 29, the youth vote has become too large for political parties to ignore.
According to Election Commission data, 225,853 voters are aged between 18 and 29 – 51,669 aged 18 to 20, and 174,184 aged 21 to 29 – accounting for 25.4% of Negri Sembilan’s 889,490 voters.
Conversations with first-time and young voters across Jelebu, Kuala Pilah and Bahau suggest a generation less driven by party loyalty and more by observation, experience and the realities of daily life.
Some admitted they knew little about Malaysian politics beyond what appeared on their social media feeds. Yet almost all said they intend to vote on Aug 1.
Many described themselves as undecided, preferring to spend the campaign period watching candidates online, discussing issues with family members and waiting until closer to polling day before making up their minds.
“I don’t really follow politics, but I want to vote. It’s important for our future,” said first-time voter Firdaus, 19, in Bahau.
“I’m still trying to understand the issues. I’ll probably talk to my parents before deciding,” he added.
For 20-year-old Asyraf Ghazali, politics was less about party symbols than whether leaders appeared sincere.
“We watch a lot of videos online. You can sort of tell what a person’s character is like from the way they speak and react,” he said.
Those who are working spoke less about politics itself and more about the economy, pointing to rising living costs, stagnant wages and the difficulty of finding well- paying jobs in their hometowns.
Many said their friends had already moved to Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Johor, or even Singapore in search of better opportunities.
“My salary is enough to survive, but not enough to feel comfortable. After paying for transport, food and other expenses, there’s not much left. That’s what I will factor in at the ballot box,” said Amira Suffian, 24.
Political analyst Dr Mohammad Tawfik Yaakub of Universiti Malaya said such conversations reflect a generation politically detached but not electorally disengaged.
“Many are not entirely uninterested in politics. Rather, they do not see conventional political debates as relevant to their lives,” he said.
Not all young voters, however, are still searching for answers.
At nomination centres and party events, another group displayed unwavering loyalty to their respective parties.
Whether attending Barisan Nasional youth programmes, carrying Pakatan Harapan flags through the streets of Jelebu, or helping Perikatan Nasional machinery put up banners, these supporters had already made up their minds long before campaigning began.
“I’m here because I believe in the party and I want to help,” said a young Barisan supporter who wanted to be known as Zul.
For him, politics is not merely something to observe but something to participate in.
Mohammad Tawfik said parties hoping to win over young voters needed more than catchy slogans or social media campaigns.
“They need a credible local economic offer. They must explain how they will attract better industries, create skilled employment, raise wages, strengthen TVET opportunities and support youth entrepreneurship.
“Most importantly, promises must be measurable: how many jobs will be created, what kind of jobs, what salaries will be offered and when they will become available,” he added.
