KUALA LUMPUR – Even though it is welcoming news that 27% of the candidates for the Melaka election are youth, academic Akmal Hisham Abdul Rahim gently reminded the public that they might not succeed in their bid to become elected representatives.
The UiTM Raub Campus political science lecturer said that every locality or state has its own culture and lifestyle that will influence how voters plan to cast their ballots come Saturday.
“Fielding younger candidates is always an excellent choice because that is how we want to shape our country moving forward, but that does not necessarily mean it will work for all seats.
“If a particular candidate does not win a particular seat, that does not mean that the candidate failed or did not perform.
“It simply means that the people in the area are not ready to accept the particular candidate,” he stressed.
Although up to 40% of voters in Melaka are under the age of 40, it could still be difficult for them to abandon their traditional outlook when it comes to voting.
Seeing that for 61 years Malaysia was ruled by Barisan Nasional (BN) – a coalition made up of race-based parties – coupled with the fact that Melaka was its stronghold prior to its defeat in 2018, many voters there will still vote along racial lines.
Furthermore, he observed, some voters might even be very chauvinistic when it comes to female leaders.
“There could be some rural areas that do not accept young candidates because of their gender as the voters are still traditional in their mindset – not wanting a female leader,” said Akmal.
Youth remains no barrier
There are 112 hopefuls gunning for 28 state seats in Melaka. Out of the number, 30 candidates or 27% are youth aged 39 and below.
Among the young contenders that have caught Malaysians’ attention is 32-year-old independent candidate and businessman Muhammad Ariff Adly Mohammad.
Going after the Telok Mas seat, the rookie is locking horns in a four-corner fight with veterans such as Melaka Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman Datuk Mohd Rafiq Naizamohideen, Pakatan Harapan’s Datuk Ashraf Mukhlis Minghat, and Kota Melaka Umno division chief Datuk Abdul Razak Abdul.
“Contesting with well-known contenders, big names, for me that’s a healthy thing. So let’s embrace it, we welcome it.
“Looking at Ariff and the rest, we know the younger generation today is very bold, and that's what’s important, isn’t it?” he posed, adding that seasoned politicians should learn to accept this and compete healthily.
Nevertheless, Akmal also voiced his concern with Ariff’s election campaign and efforts to become a household name.
“At this juncture (based on Covid-19 restrictions), we can see the candidates’ creativity in their campaigns.
“However, the big question will be of his political funds,” he said, noting that the deposits required to contest, campaigning, and printing material such as flyers are costly, especially for a first-timer, let alone an independent.
Traditionally in Malaysia, the political party a candidate represents will foot the bill for campaign materials, including the deposit payment. Those who contest independently will have to fork out their own cash in order to play the game.
Regarding Melaka’s youngest candidate, Farzana Hayani Mohd Nasir from PKR, who will be running for the Sg Rambai seat, Akmal asserted that her age is irrelevant as candidacy depends on individuals’ readiness and their seriousness to serve the people.
As some press repeatedly on her age of 21 – and that she happens to be a student – and are sceptical of her capabilities, my question to them is: if we do not allow her to run for this election, how will we know her capabilities?
“She is given the opportunity to be a candidate. To campaign is something very valuable as not everyone is given this golden opportunity at such a tender age,” he said.
Similar to Ariff, the UiTM student will be taking on PN’s Muhammad Jefri Safry, BN’s Siti Faizah Abdul Aziz, and Putra’s Nazatul Ashraf Md Dom.
However, as a lecturer, Akmal could not help mulling over the trials Farzana may face after the election.
“Farzana has to study a little more to complete her degree. Assuming that she loses this election, will university administrators penalise her for taking part in the election?”, he asked, reiterating that such things should no longer be practiced these days.
Nevertheless, Akmal said again that it is a positive sign that youngsters today take politics seriously, as it shows that they are becoming mature at an early age, being very vigilant, and keen to take on responsibilities. – The Vibes, November 18, 2021
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