KOTA KINABALU – Sabah Youth Council has urged youths to cast their votes in order for their voices to be heard in Parliament.
Council president Abqaree Fawwaz Abekan said votes from youths aged 18 to 39 would greatly influence the election outcome in Sabah.
He said they account for 55.2% or 932,541 of the 1,689,387 voters in Sabah based on the Election Commission’s statistics.
“Based on our observation during the political literacy programme (Undi 18) in six areas in Sabah this year, we found that 70% of youth had poor political literacy in terms of history, knowledge on political parties and their role in being involved in the democratic process.
“They (the youths) will very much influence the election results in Sabah.
“But at the same time, they are in need of economic development, infrastructure and better quality of life like their peers in Peninsular Malaysia,” he said.
Towards this end, Abqaree said the council hopes the outcome of the 15th general election will see at least 60% of MPs from the younger generation.
“This will encourage those from the Y and Z generations to be involved in politics and take part in the democratic process in the country,” he said.
Abqaree also supported the call for the Election Commission to allow Sabahans living in other parts of Malaysia to be included as early voters.
Despite airlines having given out discounts, he said it would still be costly for Sabahans, especially students, to return to their home state to vote.
“The government still needs to further look into this matter as the cost will be burdensome for them to vote later.
“The government could allow early voting or electronic voting in the future,” he said.
Malaysians will head to the polls on November 19. – The Vibes, October 28, 2022
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