COMMENT | Malaysia's future lies with young people

COMMENT | The recent chatter on social media over the past few days have been focused on the youth in this country.

There is, of course, talks by Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman of setting up a youth-based political party. While many have expressed views on the formation of such a party, it has put the focus firmly on young people in Malaysia and their place in Malaysia.

There seems to be much support for this youth party, especially from amongst the youth themselves. When this party is formed, it will be a disruptive force in Malaysian politics and could become the ‘game-changer’ in the next general elections. Especially if elections are called after the Undi 18 constitutional amendments come into force.

Existing political parties in Malaysia would need to react and adapt to this new party. They must be able to show that they are still relevant to youth and must be able to fulfil the aspirations of young people.

The support for this new party is a rejection of ‘old politics’, the politics where young people are relegated to youth wings and opportunities to shine are only reserved to more senior members of a party...