PETALING JAYA: A government that offers education and economic opportunities while avoiding the exploitation of racial and religious sentiments is likely to resonate with young voters.
These are the views of several youngsters surveyed by The Star.
Siti Nur Aisyah Azman, 22, said she would vote based on the manifesto, with her preference being candidates who prioritise education.
“The current government has shown positive progress. Among the issues that has attracted my interest is the Rahmah programme for the people, especially students from low-income families who will be able to save some money on essentials,” says the student from Batu Pahat, Johor.
“My hope is that the government will prioritise those who need assistance in terms of jobs and education.”
Pamela Rosario, 29, from Petaling Jaya, said she will vote on the basis of the candidate and the party, which could bring positive change.
“Enough with the bureaucracy. We need to handle things like cost of living. Also a party or coalition that looks into M40’s well-being. Just because we have better wages doesn't mean we are not impacted by the cost of living,” said the content writer.
She said it will also help if political parties, especially MPs and state assemblymen, go down to the field to engage with the people.
"We know you are busy, but it doesn't hurt to come by your constituency on the weekends and mingle. There doesn't have to be fancy invites or whatnot, but drop by and just listen to what the people have to say,” she said.
Aside from that, she said those elected to power must also be sensitive to all races.
M. Vinusha from Penang said she would prefer leaders who do not touch on racial sensitivities.
“It hurts when racially charged sentiments are made. Politicians must understand that we are a multi-racial country.
“I would also vote for those who can keep the cost of living under control. Provide job opportunities and address the issue of stagnating wages,” she said.
Manpreet Singh, 29, from Tambun, Perak, feels like Pakatan Harapan has not really kept to its election manifesto, adding that the government cannot claim full credit for the stronger economic conditions, such as a stronger ringgit, as that is attributable to global factors such as a weaker greenback.
He said that, despite being a lynchpin of Pakatan, PKR appears to be taking orders from Umno.
"We should expect a government to calm down radical voices and refrain from stoking racial flames," the human resources executive said.
Chin, a marketing executive from Kuala Lumpur, said his concerns are mostly stagnating wages and home ownership.
“A lot of my friends are moving overseas because the wages are too low here. It has caused a brain drain of sorts. At the same time, the cost of living is rising, and wages have stagnated.”
“Whichever government comes to power and addresses this will have my support,” he said.
