THE inconsistency and insincerity of political leaders are keeping the youth from joining political parties, a survey shows.
Many told The Vibes they are not interested in being in political organisations as they see politicians as being greedy for money and power.
They said they do keep abreast with current affairs, which they feel is far more important than being in a party.
Some said they would rather join a civil rights group if they had to choose.
A study by pollster Ilham Centre showed voters aged 17 to 21 were not interested in politics even though some were from a family of political activists.
Ilham Centre executive director Hisomuddin BakarHe said the youth were more interested in issues played up on social media, especially TikTok.
Others interviewed said parties had yet to reject racial and religious politics despite being so-called progressive leadership.
The Vibes spoke to young voters from various states and this is what they had to say.
Advertising student Farhana Juanda is not keen on joining a party even though she is interested in the country's future.
The 23-year-old said because she has more faith in civil rights groups or NGOs.
"I have an interest in politics and as someone who can vote, I want to know the future of my country.
"However, I would not join any political party as I do not trust politicians. I have more faith in NGOs, which are working at the grassroots level, or someone like Fahmi Reza, who is non-partisan," she added.
Another advertising student, Wan Danial Hakimi in Subang Jaya said he has frequent discussions about politics with his family.
"Would I join a party? It depends on whether the political party has values that are similar to mine.
"If they are what I wish to fight for, then I might. But everyone knows how dirty politics can get," Wan Danial said.
Penang-born Chua Qian Hua has no interest in politics as she is pursuing a career as an actress.
She said she lost interest in politics after graduating.
"I have not been following the (political) situation."
Chua said she voted in the last general election.
"I voted because I was covering the news. After (graduating) I lost interest, I guess," the 23-year-old added.
Universiti Teknologi Mara intercultural communications student Siti Aisyah said it is crucial to participate in politics.
The 23-year-old, who lives in Shah Alam, said political parties must put the nation first.
"As a young voter, it is crucial to be involved in politics. But political parties must stop infighting and focus on the nation."
If she joined a party in the future, Siti said it would be PKR.
"PKR because I'm drawn towards their reformist ideas. They seek greater transparency and changes."
Muhd Afiq Jabri, from Kota Kinabalu, said he would rather support a Sabah party than a national party.
He said it is a common belief that politicians are only in it for the money and power.
"At this point, I don’t see any party that is worth my support. If I had to choose, I would probably support the ruling Gabungan Rakyat Sabah," he said.
"But I would support to any party that I find honest in fighting for Sabah.
"At present, I only see political party leaders attacking each other. They are missing out on what’s important. They are putting more effort into trying to make their rivals look bad, and the people are the ones who suffer.
"They are also empty vessels. They make all sorts of promises but they just never deliver. I am also not convinced about the sincerity of the Sabah leaders
"Those in positions of power in Sabah should emulate the Sarawak leaders. They put the locals first. For example, job opportunities. Job vacancies should be filled by locals first before people from elsewhere," the 29-year-old marketing sales executive said.
Eleanor Michelle Patrick of Sabah said she keeps herself updated on current topics.
"Living in a democratic country, politics has always been interested me and I try to stay informed of current affairs.
"I find it crucial, especially for young, to be politically aware as well as participate because politics plays a key role in the country's future.
"At this point, however, no particular party interests me. But if I had to choose, it must be based on the party's ideas and direction and its efforts to defend the rights of the people," the 28-year-old said.
Calvin Chan, the Penang boy behind the Green Hero food waste management initiative, said he is interested in politics but will not be joining a party for now as he cannot find one that appeals to him.
He prefers to devote his time to a good cause, such as his social enterprise of collecting food waste in Penang to be recycled or given to the needy.
Chan said issues of concern to the young revolve around the environment and climate change but all he sees in the constant chatter and news are race and religion as well as conflict and economic struggles.
He said he is most likely to join a party that sincerely champions the environmental cause.
"Look at the anti-tobacco effort. Each political party differed in opinion even though (the anti-smoking bill) is good for health. There could be lobbyists behind (the opposers)."
Factory executive Aaron Lim said after the last general election, many young people no longer felt secure in their own country because there have been many narratives spun to indicate that their presence is unwelcome here.
This has put him off from joining politics.
"We do not see the ruling Pakatan Harapan standing up for the minorities. Instead, we get more accounts to make us feel insecure as Malaysians."
He said the previous Perikatan Nasional government was the same, adding the youth have given up finding the right politicians who can make a difference for the country.
"I hope the politicians read what the young are saying now." – April 26, 2024.
