Young voters return to hometowns to ensure their voices are heard
MELAKA: A RM50 bus journey was a price worth paying for Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) student Azia Nur Yasmin A. Bushnalaz, who travelled from Johor to Melaka to cast her vote and have a say in the state’s future.
The 27-year-old, who travelled from Skudai to vote for the second time, hopes the next state government will create more jobs matching the qualifications of graduates.
“Many of my friends have graduated, but they are working in fields unrelated to what they studied,” she said.
She is among thousands of young voters, including first-time voters, who returned to Melaka to cast their ballots today.
Azia said outstation voters had an important role in choosing their representatives despite spending much of their time away from home.
“Our voices are important because elected representatives can speak on our behalf,” she said.
First-time voter Puteri Aleesya Sofia Alfian, 20, who is studying civil engineering at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) in Pasir Gudang, spent about RM60 to travel home.
“It is worth coming back because I want to experience voting for the first time,” said Puteri, who will vote in the Telok Emas constituency.
She hopes greater attention will be given to make public transport more affordable for students.
Another first-time voter, Noor Syazlin Mat Zin, 20, arrived at Melaka Sentral yesterday evening from Johor.
The UTM engineering student, who spent RM40 on her bus ticket, will vote in Rim.
She hopes more jobs will be created in smaller towns so young people would not have to seek employment elsewhere.
“Rim is a small town. Those looking for jobs may have to go to the city,” she said.
Having received financial assistance for her university studies, Syazlin said she appreciated elected representatives who responded promptly to residents’ needs.
She hopes they will remain accessible beyond the campaign period.
“I want a good leader who is always there when the people need help, not someone who only makes empty promises,” she said.
Meanwhile, Muhammad Hakim Mohd Shahrul Nizam, 19, who is pursuing a diploma in medical and health sciences in Johor, also returned to vote for the first time.
The Sungai Udang voter hopes the next state government will consider subsidising bus and train fares for students.
He also wants elected representatives to honour their promises and ensure development reached rural communities.
“Even one vote can make a big difference. Sometimes, just one vote can determine who wins,” he said.
