The Malaysian Insight

YOUNG rural Malay voters are not thrilled by the new youth-based party to be formed by Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman.

Youth and analysts polled by The Malaysian Insight showed that the young people preferred the established parties with well-known political figures.

At the same time, the analysts surveyed expressed fears that the new party will be seen as an urban-based, elite party, thus spooking rural youth.

Respondent Abu Bakar Habibullah from Pokok Sena, Kedah, said the goals of Syed Saddiq’s party is still unclear.

“For me, there is no need for a youth party. Even now, there are many new parties, such as Amanah, Bersatu and Pejuang.

“Although people of various races can join the party, it will cause young Malays to split even more,” said the nasi lemak stall operator.

He added Syed Saddiq’s burgeoning political prominence is not enough to attract the interest of youth in rural areas.

“We are more interested in parties that have famous figures, such as Umno, PAS or PKR.

“Although the voting age has been lowered to 18 years old, they must be attracted to the existing party through the youth wing,” he said.

Fahmi Ishak from Kepala Batas, Kedah, meanwhile, said Syed Saddiq should not reject older members from joining his party.

He said the issue of integrity cannot be measured by age alone.

“We cannot use age as a benchmark for clean and good leadership, and governance.

“Corruption and abuse of power occur at every age.

“What is the guarantee that the party formed for the youth as an alternative to older parties will be a cleaner and fresher party in terms of ideas and energy?” said the 26-year-old.

New bad habits?

Civil society group Generasi Muda’s coordinator, Muhammad Shahrizul Muiz said youth wings in existing parties are enough to be the voice of the younger generation.

The Penang-based activist added that if a party were to limit its membership by age, corruption will be an issue.

“When one knows that his or her career in politics will end after reaching a maximum age, then their potential of falling into corruption is also high to guarantee they can continue their career.

“Or, if they do not retire, they will jump to other parties, which will cause the practice of party hopping in the country to continue becoming a scourge,” he said.

He added that the party will also cause a divide between the old and young in politics.

“The establishment of the youth party will only divide the young and the old, and we will always live in a state of separation between the two.

“What is to be benefitted from this split?” 

Political analyst Professor Mohd Azizuddin Mohd Sani, meanwhile, said Syed Saddiq should field local candidates if he wants to attract rural voters.

The Universiti Utara Malaysia lecturer said the party will only attract rural folk who work in cities if it seen as an elite party.

“If you really want to attract the support of young people in rural areas, there must be a professional approach.

“It needs to have representatives from rural areas to be the voice of the villagers, otherwise, Syed Saddiq’s party will be seen as one for elite members and professionals,” he said.

Former youth and sports minister Syed Saddiq had recently announced that he will form a new youth-based party.

He had said the party will open its membership to various races and provide a platform for young people looking to make political inroads.

In a recent interview with The Malaysian Insight, the Muar MP had said he was confident that his party will be able to attract voters in rural areas.

He also said the political arena needed more younger than older representatives, who are only interested in power. – September 14, 2020.