EFFORTS to reform Malaysia’s political culture should prioritise younger generations rather than veteran politicians, as long-established habits among senior leaders make meaningful change more difficult, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul said on Friday.
Speaking at the 2026 Parliamentary Harmony Symposium on Friday, Johari said it was unrealistic to expect deep behavioural shifts among experienced politicians, suggesting that reform would be more effectively achieved by investing in future leaders.
"It is definitely not easy to bend MPs like myself and other older figures," The Star quoted him saying.
Johari also observed that veteran politicians often struggle to adapt after leaving positions of authority, sometimes contributing to the fragmentation of the political landscape.
He said this was reflected in the tendency for new political parties to be formed following disagreements, which he suggested was driven more by personal ambition than public service.
"If you disagree, you form a party. It is not about the people, but about what I get and what my position is," he said.
Johari added that some former leaders find it difficult to accept the loss of influence after leaving office.
"They feel that people once saluted them, but suddenly they are no longer saluted. So they form a party," he said.
He said this pattern has contributed to what he described as a “multiplying effect” of political parties in the country.
Johari stressed that discussions on national harmony should focus on Malaysia’s future rather than past political rivalries, arguing that young Malaysians should be equipped early with the values and exposure needed to become effective leaders in a diverse society.
He highlighted parliamentary initiatives such as the Parliamentary School programme, which brings Form Four and Form Five student leaders to observe Dewan Rakyat proceedings, as well as a revamped Youth Parliament initiative.
Given Malaysia’s parallel education system, Johari said early exposure to shared civic experiences was essential to fostering unity among future leaders.
"That is why our focus should be on the young. Let us be practical." - June 26, 2026
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