FOR the first time in our history the youngsters are entrusted to cast their votes in the forthcoming Johor state elections.
If the youth so decide to exercise their right to vote in droves, it will have a telling impact on the outcome of the elections.
It would also serve as an indicator of what to expect at the next general elections.
Our youth, faced with a myriad of challenges – high rate of unemployment, wages that does not commensurate with their qualifications, and a political eco-system that stifles their freedom of expression – may well be emboldened to express their frustration through the ballot box.
Having the capacity to tip the results in the voting pattern, it is no-gain saying that the established opposition political entities need to formulate programmes that would capture the aspirations of the young voters.
Be that be so what that needs posturing is whether the opposition parties have calibrated their “products” to sync with the basic concerns of the young voters?
A friend of mine described the DAP and PKR as “old parties” who did not impress the electorate in Sarawak and Melaka.
That needs no argument as the outcome of the Sarawak and Melaka elections stand to speak for itself!
My friend also opined that the “old parties” need to get off their horses and treat smaller parties with respect.
It is his view, with which I concur, that the “oldies” ought to rope in the youth-based parties like MUDA, because the future is in the hands of the youth.
As I may add I am of the view that our youth are receptive to a transformation of the status quo premised upon the tenets of social justice otherwise demonised as “socialism”!
The writing is on the wall.
Unless our opposition parties like the DAP and PKR evolve towards a youth centric transformation of their political agenda, they may not find acceptance with the emerging young voters.
As my friend, rightly said, the future is with the youth! – Jan 30, 2022
K Veeriah is a veteran unionist and contributor to FocusM.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
