MALAYSIAN youngsters voted for Pakatan Harapan in GE14 because they wanted to change a corrupt government, said a research house.

Iman, a Malaysian think tank, said Pakatan Harapan’s promise to deliver 10 major changes in 100 days was not the main reason young people voted for the coalition.

“They were tired of the former government because it was corrupt and the youth wanted to change the old leaders,” said Iman programme director Badrul Hisham Ismail.

He said the youngsters felt a great satisfaction when the change was effected.

“They are now happy with the new sense of freedom and openness they have acquired after the change.

“So it’s important for PH to maintain and expand this freedom, and to include youth participation in Malaysian democracy,” he said at the research office in Wisma Sentral today.

Iman undertook a study to find out the role youth played in the 14th general election.

The focus group was made up of 40 Malaysians aged 18-35 in the Klang Valley, Johor, Terengganu, Penang and Sabah.

Badrul said what the youth wanted the new government to provide were more employment opportunities and a better economy. 

“What they are concerned about is the lack of job opportunities and low minimum wage.

“They voted for PH to see the creation of better job opportunities.” 

Iman head of research Vila Somiah said while there were jobs available in the Klang Valley, young people wanted to have jobs in their hometown. 

“They want the PH government to look into providing jobs where they live. 

“They don’t want to have to move to the city for employment,” she said. 

While PH have the overwhelming support of the youth,  Badrul said, the government should beware complacency.

“The youngsters indicated that there is a possibility they will switch if the opposition presents better suggestions for growth and progress,” he said. 

On the abolishment of the goods and services tax and the introduction of the sales and services tax, Badrul said the government needed to provide more clarity on the change.

“The youth are confused about how the tax systems work and said better explanation is needed.” – August 30, 2018.