THE majority of Muslim youths in the country agree that the public should be free to speak up and demonstrate their convictions without fear, a survey conducted by the Merdeka Centre and Sisters in Islam (SIS) showed.

However, almost half of the respondents in the Malaysian Muslim Youths’ Perspective on Politics, Economy, Social life and the role of Islam survey felt it was necessary to have an authoritarian leader in order to bring stability.

“From 1,216 respondents, 1,131 people said everyone should be allowed to speak up and express how they feel about being prosecuted.

“Ironically, almost half or 572 individuals felt that the country needed a strong leader. An authoritarian way to make sure we are a stable nation,” the Merdeka Centre’s Azlina Halit said this morning.

According to the centre’s executive director Ibrahim Suffian, the survey was conducted between late October 2021 and January 2022, involving 1,216 young Muslims nationwide, ages 15 to 25.

Speaking further, Azlina said that majority of Muslim youths interviewed supported the idea of democracy, but were clearly against the notion of secularism and freedom of religion.

“For example 66% or 803 individuals agreed that Malaysians should all be treated equally regardless of race or religion.

“But on secularism – whether Islam and politics should be kept separate – only 25% or 304 respondents agreed, while 912 people disagreed.”

Azlina added that Muslim youths were also against the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) way of life, despite 63% or 766 people saying people should be free to choose.

“When it comes to LGBT, atheist, and other minorities only 450 or 37% of respondents said they would respect this choice,” she said.

Meanwhile, Ibrahim said that 52% or 632 individuals felt that the country was heading the wrong direction.

He said respondents were worried about the current political situation in the country followed by economic concerns and administration.

“Among the worry expressed by Muslim youths were leadership crisis, corruption and Covid-19 issues.” – June 16, 2022.