Many youths from the Malay heartland want to be heard and get involved, study finds. — 123rf
A RECENT study on peninsula-based Malay youths’ understanding of politics and democracy yields several findings on their desires, which include, making new friends from other races.
In the study by think tank Iman Research, entitled “Orang Kita” (Our People), it is found that Malay youths believe that non-Malays and Malays can co-exist peacefully.
Iman Research’s research associate Aziff Azuddin says in terms of multiculturalism, respondents from outside the Klang Valley see universities as a place which allows them to engage with people from other races.
“There are also those who regard non-Malays in their social circles as friends, but those outside are deemed as those with negative political stereotypes, such as the Chinese being DAP (supporters).
“Of course, that is not rooted in facts, as we know. Some of the respondents form such views stemming from several issues (that went viral recently), including Bak Kut Teh’s rise as a national dish or some vernacular schools refusing to use Bahasa Melayu as a medium.”
Aziff says the respondents believe that multiculturalism should be promoted, but not at the expense of the current status quo.
“(The respondents say) don’t interfere with Islamic affairs or question Malay rights. But they accept assimilation. That is why the muallaf (new Muslim converts) are accepted into the fold. That is where the lines are blurred.
“As long as the two matters (Islam and Malay rights) are not seen to be threatened, multiculturalism of any form is acceptable.”
The study took place from July 2023 to March this year, coinciding with a series of by-elections at that time.
Researchers made their findings through interviews and focus-group discussions with 110 Malay respondents aged from 10 to 35, comprising working adults and university students from Klang Valley, the Northern states and the East Coast.
At the same time, the respondents want the government to make clear its concept of administration and translate it well to be felt by the people.
“For example, they do not understand what Malaysia Madani entails, compared to the previous 1Malaysia tagline, for example.
“The respondents are also calling for true reform and good governance.”
At the same time, most youths are tired of the skirmishes between political classes.
“They desire for the government and the opposition to work together productively. The current lack of ‘stability’ apathy contributes to the feelings of apathy,” says Aziff.
In terms of political participation, Aziff says many youths outside the existing Islamist or other current political party setups feel they are excluded from the democratic process, as there are limited choice avenues for them to partake.
“Pathways to leadership and collective action opportunities are exclusive or limited.”
