‘Change’ top in young voters’ minds


Ravin Palanisamy

Young voters wait in line at a polling station in Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur this morning. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Afif Abd Halim, November 19, 2022.

FIRST-TIME electors who voted this morning had change in their minds as they waited to cast their ballots at polling stations today. 

Malaysia has 1.44 million voters aged between 18 and 20. 

Young voters form 6.9% of the 21.03 million in the 2021 electoral roll gazetted by the Election Commission on January 17. 

Selangor has the highest number of new voters aged 18-21, at 280,495, followed by Johor (176,618) and Sarawak (133,015). 

Undi18 and automatic voter registration were enforced on December 15 last year.

Speaking to The Malaysian Insight at polling stations, voters expressed their happiness and hoped their votes will help bring about reform and a stable government. 

Sisters Zhi Hsuen and Clara, who voted for the first time at Sekolah Kebangsaan Bukit Bandaraya, Bangsar, wanted the best for the country.  

Zhi Hsuen, 18, said although she was exercising her right as a citizen, she hoped for integrity among politicians and a brighter future for the younger generation.  

“I hope this country will become a better place for everyone, especially the younger generation,” she said.

“The most important thing is for all politicians to have integrity.”  

Clara, 20, said she wants to see change because she finds the country’s political situation disappointing.  

“I’m hoping for the better because politics has not been promising and a bit disappointing even for those in our age group,” she said.  

“So we hope for a better government this time around.”

First-time voters who cast their ballots in Kuala Lumpur today. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Najjua Zulkefli, November 19, 2022.

Muhammad Afiq, 21, who voted at Sekolah Kebangsaan La Salle Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, wants a progressive nation, where race and religion should not be the main criteria when choosing a leader.  

“We should not let race and religion be the main factors in deciding our leaders. Look at the other countries,” he said. 

“Even the United Kingdom now has an Indian prime minister. We should head towards progress that way.  

“I hope with my vote, we can have a progressive government.”  

As Elsa Jemila Rosly, 21, is on the verge of starting work, she hoped her vote can bring change to the nation and have an impact on youngsters.  

“I want a better future because I’ll be going into my first job next year and I need to feel safe and stable in my own country,” Elsa, who voted at Sekolah Kebangsaan Klang Gate, Gombak, said.  

Maisara Ahmad said she was expecting changes in policies and more women elected representatives after the polls.  

“I hope to see change in terms of how we tackle climate change and work towards having a woman heading the government one day,” said the student.   

“I know these are not major issues in Malaysia but I hope to see these changes soonest.”  

As of noon, around 42% of eligible voters have cast their ballots. – November 19, 2022.


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