KUCHING: Concerted efforts are needed to encourage young voters to exercise their rights in the upcoming 15th General Election (GE15).
In stating this, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) political analyst Dr Arnold Puyok stressed that everyone, especially youth leaders and members from all political parties, must come out to play a more prominent role.
“Institutions of higher learning can play a role too by making voting as part of the students’ civic duty to the country.
“Moreover, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and civil society movements must lead the way as well,” he told New Sarawak Tribune today.
Arnold pointed out that it was crucial for young voters to exercise their rights because their participation would diversify the voting population.
The involvement of more young people in the political process, he said, would also increase their political stake and bargaining power in the government.
“The young people could be a game-changer, they could help shape the country’s political landscape,” he said.
Referring to the quote “One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors,” he said he always used this quote to encourage the young people and undecided voters to come out to vote.
“You may not want to be a candidate and do not want to belong to any political party, but voting gives you the power to decide the best people and party to govern the country.
“Voting is our civic duty and an act of patriotism towards the country,” he added.
