THE Johor elections on March 12 will mark the first time 18-year-olds and previously unregistered voters cast a ballot. For some in this group, youth-based party Muda is an interesting prospect.

To them, Muda, or the Malaysian United Democratic Alliance, represents a change from older, more established political parties. 

Kavin Arulnesan, 22, said young adults like him want to vote according to the merits of the candidate and not along party lines.

“We want young people as candidates, we don’t want parties anymore. Our parents gave parties a chance; now we want to give young candidates a chance to prove what they can do.

“It is difficult to support politicians based on their party because they don’t always deliver what they promise,” said Kavin, an entrepreneur in Kulai.

He said Muda leader, Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, made him want to vote.

Voters like Kavin make up about 30% of Johor’s 2.56 million voters. The addition of 748,955 names to the state’s electoral roll is due to the implementation of Undi18 laws to lower the voting age from 21 to 18, as well as for automatic voter registration.

Their numbers pose a new and unpredictable challenge for political parties who view this group of new voters as a wildcard.

Nabila Natasha, 25, said Syed Saddiq alone will be able to attract young voters to choose Muda.

The youth wings of more established parties hold little attraction, she said.

“Syed Saddiq comes across as a young and nice person. Muda is also attractive as it highlights young leaders, compared to other parties which do not highlight their young candidates,” she said.

To Sarventharan, 22, Muda is attractive because it appears more transparent and does not carry the baggage of racial politics of the more established parties.

“If Muda is among the options, I will vote as we want transparency, and also, Muda is not racist.

“If there are other parties, I will evaluate their promises and manifestos before I decide, but if Syed Saddiq’s party (stands in my constituency), then I will not hesitate to vote for it,” said the accountant in Senai. 

Another 22-year-old, who wanted to be known as Haikal, said Muda presents an opportunity for the country to have young and fresh leaders.

“Malaysians no longer vote based on parties. We are able to decide for ourselves who is fit to lead and who isn’t, and we will vote based on who we think can govern,” said the university student.

Muda is also attractive to older voters who feel that the younger generation should be given a chance.

“It’s useless if we continue to choose the old candidates. Such times call for young people to lead,” said Johor Baru resident, Ng Chye Hock, 60.

“We don’t vote for the party but we decide whether the candidate is good or not. We want candidates who are good at their work,” said the cafe owner.

On Muda’s lack of experience in politics and governance, Ng said it is all about giving young people a chance.

“Young people have time, the old people don’t want to listen when voters say something. Young people are more flexible.

“Experience doesn’t matter, the person will learn along the way. I’ve hired young workers and over time they learn and build experience.”

Muda could struggle, however, to win over the business community, Ng added.

Businessmen like a stable government and to know what they are dealing with, he said.

“Personally, I think Syed Saddiq can win but it will be difficult for his party to win overall,” Ng said.

Muda is set to contest six of Johor’s 56 state seats, namely Tenang, Bukit Kepong, Parit Raja, Machap, Puteri Wangsa, and Bukit Permai.

The seats were allotted to the young party by Amanah, which will field candidates in four seats, and DAP (2) following negotiations.

Muda, which is not a member of Pakatan Harapan but is collaborating with the pact, is also negotiating for seats with PKR, which has offered the fledgling party three. – February 11, 2022.