SHAH ALAM – It was historic moment for the Malaysian democratisation process when the Parliament passed the Undi18 and Automatic Voters Registration bill on July 16, 2019 allowing citizens aged 18 and above to vote and be candidates for elections.
Even more momentous was the fact the bill was passed unanimously, without abstention.
As we head towards the 15th General Election, there will be about seven million new electorates including those aged 18 to 20 years old.
The lowering of the age limit as a voter as well as this candidate must be filled with democratic resources and through a planned, well-organised and rewarding democratisation process.
Although it was passed unanimously without objection in Parliament, implicitly, there are many things to be looked at.
Among them are the socialisation and involvement of youth in conventional political activities.
In order to offset claims made on youths not being actively involved conventionally compared to the older voters, Sinar Daily spoke to four youths who proved that this was just a false perception.
POWER IN YOUNG VOTERS
The constitutional amendment of Undi18 has brought joy to a 20-year-old Nursahira Saidi and believes that young voters have rights to fight and decide on what they think best for the country.
"I was surprised beyond belief knowing that we have gained the power to change and choose the best leaders for our country.
"I am pleased to know that the amendment has now been enforced and that I’m part of the young ones who are given the privilege to vote,” she said.
Planning to vote for GE15, Nursahira represents other youngsters who plans to bust the perception that they were not mature enough to make their own decisions.
She said politics and voting effects everyone’s lives and when the young vote, it is unlikely that they received "political benefits” or biases.
"We will have a fresh perspective towards the parties and politicians that are contesting in the election because we are not familiar with the political situation before.
"Hence, we tend to not be biased in our decision since we are trying to get to know the politicians not just on the surface but based on the leadership skills,” she stressed.
Sharing the same stance is 23-year-old Tan Ti Ren. He said although it is true that there are some youngsters that know little about politics, he is confident that there are also some who are well versed and will contribute to the final results.
Tan said Undi18 is progressive and is one of the best things that could happen for the younger people.
"We will have a say in the elections and can sway the results.
"I feel that we should be interested or at least concerned about politics as it will directly impact our future for the better or for worse, and we of the younger generation will be impacted more by it,” he told Sinar Daily.
Yuhaniz Shafri, 20, meanwhile said: "It is when you are young, they assume you know nothing”.
However, she said this was far from the truth as those within her circle have been diligently following political updates in the country.
"Since Undi 18 was passed, I see a lot of youngsters started to learn more about how voting system works and grown their interest in political issues,” she said.
When asked on the significance of young voters, a 21-year-old Thinaraj Muttiah said youths should take into account that the country’s future for five years depends on their choice.
He advised others to choose wisely.
"Youngsters should be aware on the political situations and crisis that have happened so that they can choose a better government to manage the country,” he stressed.
Thinaraj also told that he frequently checks Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman and Segambut MP Hannah Yeoh’s social media accounts and news as these prominent figures would consistenlty address arising issues and provide ideas and opinions in a good way.
FIRM ON PRINCIPLES
Not accredited to familial persuasion or social media, all of these young voters are firm to their own principles in deciding for which party to go for.
Sahira shared that it is actually good that her family rarely voice out political thoughts or party preference so she is not tied up with her family’s inlfuence and will be able to freely decide by herself.
"Although it is a bit difficult for me because I need to learn things by myself, I believe it is better for me to discover it on my own.
"I can form my own approach and have a fresher perception towards the party instead of being influenced by the people around me,” she said.
For Tan, he said he will likely decide based on his own stand but will also discuss with his family and friends on their views.
"In regards for a better understanding and getting a wider picture, I will likely discuss with my friends or family,” he said.
Same goes to Yuhaniz, she is in the view that in politics, one should follow their own choices instead of listening to others’ opinions.
"I will stand by my own choice because at this age, I have a right and responsibility to make a change,” she said. Diving deeper into his decision process, Thinaraj said in deciding a vital decision, he will analyse and compare of each candidate.
"I will analyse the manifesto of each candidate and compare their performances in the previous general election to see whether they have fulfilled their manifesto and yes, I will follow my own principles,” he said.
THE YOUNG IS FULL OF HOPE
In the face of several present-day difficulties, the young are banding together, educating themselves and pushing to be heard. Their votes are followed by hopes for the betterment of the country and national crisis could be resolved.
Nursahira hopes the economy will finally experience deflation, Ringgit value will increase once again and the future leaders will propose immediate solutions for the crisis that occur annually.
"It might take a while for issues to be resolved, but with the right leader, I believe our country will be able to relive the glory days we once had,” she said.
When asked on what criteria or qualities one party or politician should have, Nursahira highlighted on responsibility, honesty and empathy.
She said it is important for leaders to feel responsible towards their people and not just be responsible in name alone.
"Our current leaders only appear responsible on the surface, yet little to no efforts were put into helping us.
"Therefore, most of us have to rely on each other instead to fend for ourselves.
"After following Najib’s case coming to light after years of trial, it is now important for our future leaders to display honesty.
"This include that they should not use or do anything for their own importance and it should be lead with the people in mind and not for their own sakes,” she said.
Nursahira also highlighted how inappropriate it was for dissolution of Parliament to take place during the monsoon season as flooding are inevitable, citing that the leaders who pushed for it had no empathy.
"I hope they are always be one step ahead of everyone and do not have to wait for others to voice it out before making plans, they should always be ready to predict and consider any situations that might happen for the safety of people and country.
"It might also take a while for the economic issues to be resolved but with the right leader, I believe our country will be able to relive the glory days we once had,” she said.
Meanwhile, Tan hopes issues of corruption and higher costs of living could be resolved or at least reduced.
Yuhaniz highlighted the issue of underpaid employees, which she said was not new.
""The issue of underpaid employee is not new but I can see that it hasn’t been resolved. I’m hoping whoever wins in the next election will pay more attention about this,” she said.
Thinaraj has pinned his hopes on the new government solving the education crisis among youths especially in the local universities. GE15 must bring the change, he said, adding that the youths will ensure it happens.