GE15: The 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) issue or the declining value of the ringgit does not seem to concern young voters in Lipis

SHAH ALAM - The 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) issue or the declining value of the ringgit does not seem to concern young voters.

According to Pejuang's Lipis parliamentary candidate, Aishaton Abu Bakar, young voters are more concerned about how to find employment and increase their wealth.

"If you look at Lipis, most of our youth migrate to other places looking for jobs because (in Lipis) there are no job opportunities. So, this is already a city of pensioners, not young people.

"Because if you're sitting in the village, what can you eat? Just end up asking their parents for money. So, a lot of young people leave Lipis, they (actually) expect a young candidate who can bring a new fresh narrative to them (but) they feel disappointed.

"Because most of the parties that are running here are still fielding the old, recycled candidates." Aishaton was speaking as one of the panel speakers of the Sinar Live programme conducted by Fahiz Ariff entitled 'Jangan Harap Pengundi Muda' ( (do not place hopes on young voters ) which was broadcasted on all Sinar Harian platforms on Monday.

Among the panel of speakers were Parti Rakyat Malaysia (PRM) candidate for Sungai Buloh Ahmad Jufliz Faiza and Perikatan Nasional (PN) candidate for Raub Datuk Mohd Fakrunizam Ibrahim.

The Lipis Parliament seat saw a four-cornered contest with Aishaton coming up against Datuk Mohamad Sharum Osman (PN), Tengku Zulpuri Shah Raja Puji (PH) and Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad (BN).

Aishaton added with the formation Pejuang, it also breathes new life into the constituency as young candidates like her get to contest in the election. "Compared to all three candidates, I am younger. Female candidates are also lacking.

"When we have a female candidate (and) a candidate who is younger than all the other candidates, so maybe that can attractsthose young voters to vote for us," she said.