THERE was pin-drop silence when Anwar Ibrahim started his speech in the Universiti Malaya auditorium on Thursday evening.

For most of the undergraduates in attendance, it was a chance to hear first-hand the PKR president’s views on national issues, and for them to gauge the impact the man would make as the next prime minister.

These students had missed the Reformasi years that introduced Anwar as the icon of youth in the late 1990s. They had not seen his performance as deputy prime minister before that.

All they knew were things they had heard or read about Anwar and the nation’s political journey since 1998.

Buoyed by the change in government after last year’s general election, these students were keen to find out whether Anwar could carry forward the reform agenda promised by Pakatan Harapan.

And, almost all of them were impressed with what Anwar shared on his vision.

“For me, Anwar seems to be liberal-leaning. As he said, we must accept and celebrate diversity as a multiracial society,” said Muhammad Nabil Najmuddin Azman.

The 21-year-old Islamic studies student said evidence of Anwar’s calibre as a leader is clear, but he needs strong support to succeed.

Aisyah Adaha, a third-year student at the Education Faculty, said there seems to be much that Anwar can do for Malaysia.

“I really don’t know him. I don’t know anything about what he had done before, in terms of issues regarding poverty and race relations.

“But from his speech, it’s clear that he can do much for Malaysia, especially when it comes to poverty and race relations. It will be good if he can implement these changes,” said the 21-year-old.

Mohd Iqbal Hakim Rashdi, 18, said the Port Dickson MP is a good speaker.

“His speech delivery was interesting. He is creative with words. His speech contained facts and the appropriate examples.

“He was also sharp when answering questions, very creative when answering them. Some of his answers had never crossed our minds.”

However, not all the students said they could grasp what Anwar was saying. Some said they did not understand the words he used.

Despite this, Low Shu Yit, 19, said he walked away impressed with Anwar.

The session at UM was part of Anwar’s tour of public universities. He earlier gave speeches at Universiti Selangor, Universiti Teknologi Mara and several other institutions.

Political analyst Mohammad Tawfik Yaakub from UM said Anwar is engaging youth to secure their support.

“With the voting age now lowered to 18, Anwar is using this opportunity to garner support from this group of people, who are still searching for a political idol and ideology.

“This is the most valuable space for Anwar. When the next general election comes around, he can rely on this group of new voters,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

He said today’s undergraduates never experienced the pain of the Reformasi years, and as such, do not sympathise with Anwar’s journey.

“But based on his excellent oratory skills and ability to connect with them, Anwar can manipulate their support.

“He is now depending on his ceramah skills to impress these students.”

The PKR leader’s tour of varsities can help veer young voters’ support towards him and the party, as well as PH, added Tawfik.

“For me, this tour is a continuing strategy to regain youth support, especially from among students who are still unsure of their political leanings.” – October 26, 2019.