SHAH ALAM – The younger generations are upset and disappointed as they feel politics are irrelevant to them after going through the change of prime minister three times since the last election.
United Youth Movement of Malaysia head Wong Kam Loon said the young people had lost their zeal for change prior to the 2018 election, but they saw the 14th General Election as what could be the turning point for the nation.
"They were looking forward to a change in the last election.
"Many made their trips to return home, some from overseas, to cast their votes but few bothered to return home to vote in the recent state elections in Johor and Melaka,” he said in a statement.
Wong also said to look out for intense fights involving various political parties in the coming elections among the power-hungry politicians while people are battling the challenges in life.
"Young people, especially those aged between 20 and 30, are unable to accept such reality,” he said.
He added that many of them are working overseas and away from home, so it was almost impossible for them to vote.
"Many are hoping the government will have a clear policy to help revive the economy after two years of lockdown when various sectors are recovering.
"People and the government are to work hand in hand to take on the challenges.
"If the political situation is still uncertain at this juncture with various political parties coming up with strategies to fight, people are sick of such tactics,’ he said.
However, he said, some companies would approve special leave for the young voters to make a trip home to vote.
He claimed that despite the government’s effort in promoting ‘Keluarga Malaysia’ concepts, there was unfair treatment for young Chinese to study medicine in local universities.
"Some students with excellent results are rejected while others with ordinary results are accepted into medical school,” he said.
Wong urged the Chinese youth to take the initiative to find out about aid offered by the government because if they remained passive, they could never have access to agencies that provide assistance.
He said the youth groups should be entering schools and campuses to increase students’ awareness of elections as Malaysians automatically become voters once they reach 18-year-old.
"Due to the Covid-19 pandemic for the past two years, the number of young people participating in activities has plunged drastically,” he added.
Commenting further, Wong said that the Eight Major Chinese Clan Association, which consisted of eight Chinese clan organisations had recently been unable to obtain government support and hence has difficulties in promoting the organisation.
"A report also revealed that 72.1 per cent of graduates did not wish to continue with their studies as many are thinking of starting a business, becoming an internet celebrity to earn their living,” he said.
This, he said, was very worrying as it could have an adverse impact on the education system in the country in the future.
Wong hoped that the new government would be able to change the current scenario by paying more attention to the youths and not letting them down again.