YOUNG voters want the state elections to be free from racial and religious sentiments.

They told The Malaysian Insight they would prefer politicians to speak about social and economic issues, as well as campaigning healthily.

Previously, analysts said parties contesting in the state polls are banking on the support of young voters to win big, adding that this group was politically “fragile” and “unpredictable”.

They said young voters have a huge influence and could be the game changers in the August 12 polls in six states.

Nur Nazirah Abdullah of Universiti Malaya said it would be better for political parties to stay away from stoking religious tension as it could one day become a “cancer” to society.

The 23-year-old Angkatan Mahasiswa president also hopes that parties would introduce more young candidates in the polls.

“The future of the six states relies on young voters. We would like political parties to touch on politics, the economy and social issues.

“We would like to see how candidates and parties are able to provide stability in managing their respective areas and how aid and information between the federal and state level can reach the masses,” she said.

Nazirah added that young voters wanted to live in a healthy community environment with less social tension.

“For example in rural areas, youngsters are being pressured with social ills, education issues as well as poverty. Youth want a true leader that works entirely for the people.

“We also reject any form of provocation – religious or political – because this can become a cancer that affects us all,” she said.

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia student Syed Zuliqbal Syed Abdul Halim agreed with Nazirah, saying race and religious issues should not be the main topic as they are outdated.

“We should all move forward, the time of using religion and race to stoke fear and hatred is no longer relevant in Malaysia.

“Young voters want a party that can develop the state, create more employment and lift their living standards, not a party that tries to divide us,” he said.

Selangor has the highest number of voters aged between 18 and 20, at 274,194, followed by Kedah (104,284), Kelantan (96,513), Penang (67,633), Terengganu (64,264) and Negri Sembilan (55,017).

The nomination day for the elections in these six states is July 29.

The polls involve 9,773,571 voters with Selangor registering the highest at 3,747,057, followed by Kedah (1,585,085), Kelantan (1,411,912), Penang (1,234,198), Terengganu (930,894) and Negri Sembilan (864,425).

Create jobs

Anas Akmal Arman Alim, 21, who would be voting in Semenyih, Selangor, hopes the state government can create more job opportunities for youth.

He also does not want the state government to depend too much on the federal government.

“As a voter in Selangor, I hope the state government can create more jobs for us. And not depending too much on the federal government.

“We have Cyberjaya not too far away and Kuala Lumpur is nearby, so if Selangor can look for ways to give jobs to youth, that would be good.”

Kelantan resident Fatin Atirah Zulkifli, 20, meanwhile wished the next state government could increase jobs to prevent people from migrating to other states.

“I saw it in my own family, relatives and friends having to leave their loved ones to migrate to find work.

“Here it is not only about low salaries but also there are no opportunities,” she said.

Another 20-year-old young female voter from Kelantan who wished to remain anonymous also shared Fatin’s sentiment.

She said the current PAS-led administration has not been able to solve basic issues such as water and providing job opportunities.

She said Kelantan has the strength to improve but weak administration has left the state underdeveloped.

“Despite their effort to curb social ills by not allowing cinemas to operate, and make every one cover-up, Kelantan has one of the highest number of social ills, from drug addictions to sexual crimes.

“Then you have the never ending issue of water cuts. On top of that, many of us, especially youth, are looking for jobs in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Johor.

“So I hope this time there are going to be some changes, if not improvements,” she added. –  July 11, 2023.