Older candidate a risk for PN?

SHAH ALAM - The decision by Perikatan Nasional (PN) to field an older candidate in the Mahkota state by-election on Sept 28 could potentially influence voter trends.

O2 Research Malaysia (O2) chief researcher Anis Anwar Suhaimi said while age was not a primary determinant, it was an aspect that voters might consider.

"Besides taking into account various factors including current local and federal issues, the party contesting and the political exposure of the candidates, age is also significant.

"Consideration of age is not just about the number but also what the candidate brings with their age, such as personality, community engagement, experience, credibility and their health and ability to perform duties as a representative," he told Sinar.

PN has announced former Johor FA footballer Mohamad Haizan Jaafar, 61, as its candidate for the Mahkota by-election.

The Kluang division Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) committee member also known as Coach Haizan, previously represented Johor in the Razak Cup and President’s Cup.

His opponent is Syed Hussein Syed Abdullah from Barisan Nasional (BN), who is 40.

Anis said whether the decision to field an older candidate could risk PN being rejected by younger voters, particularly those under the Undi18 movement, depended on the candidate's political approach.

"If the PN candidate’s political approach is conventional and does not adapt to the behaviour, communication style, and norms of younger people, this could be a deterrent for the younger demographic.

"However, if the PN candidate appears fresh and energetic and is presented as a representative of the younger generation, the candidate’s age may not necessarily be a barrier to garnering support from young voters," he said.

When asked whether an age limit should be set for candidates in future elections, Anis said in a democratic system, the freedom to choose is a voter’s right and those who were less relevant regardless of age will lose in elections.

"However, in Malaysia, there is a pattern where political leaders serve as representatives for excessively long periods, sometimes up to six or seven terms.

"This causes new talents or fresher approaches to move slowly as they are still bound by the old culture dominated by veteran leaders.

"This situation needs to be addressed by setting additional standards. Not only an age limit but also health standards and term limits should be considered," he said.

PN’s insensitivity

Universiti Sains Malaysia Political Science lecturer Dr Zaharul Abdullah said the age of the PN candidate could impact voting trends in Mahkota, where 52 per cent of voters were under 39 years old.

"Young candidates are not only seen as better understanding the aspirations and demands of young people compared to older candidates but can also represent and drive the agenda of the youth with more enthusiasm and commitment.

"I believe PN is not sensitive to the demographics in the Mahkota state assembly, where a competitive young candidate could be a better opponent against BN’s young candidate," he said.

However, he did not dismiss the idea that older candidates should also be given the chance to run as they bring valuable experience and decision-making skills.

"Therefore, it is not appropriate to set a maximum age limit for election candidates.

"A maximum age limit is not democratic and older individuals are usually more mature and experienced," he added.

Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Kedah Faculty of Administrative Science and Policy Studies senior lecturer Dr Tunku Nashril-Abaidah said while the candidate’s age could be a criterion for voters, local demographic factors also needed to be considered.

"In the Mahkota state legislative assembly, over 50 per cent of voters are under 39 years old, so fielding a young candidate might be an advantage.

"The Mahkota seat is not a safe seat for any party, but it might be more risky for PN due to its less impressive track record in the Mahkota state assembly," he said.