Younger voters still seeking change, says PKR MP

Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad says younger Malaysians worry more about the rising cost of living, housing and environmental issues.

Setiawangsa MP Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said younger Malaysians worry about the rising cost of living, and housing and environmental issues.

“They can’t relate even to things like Reformasi or Bersih, let alone Op Lalang,” he said on an episode of the BFM Breakfast Grille podcast today.

Nik Nazmi said the disillusionment extended to Pakatan Harapan (PH) supporters.

“Among PH voters now, there are no more excuses. People understand it is not just PH holding up the government, but they do expect certain red lines to exist,” he said.

“But hurdles do not come only from Gabungan Parti Sarawak or Barisan Nasional, but from within PH itself.”

Nik Nazmi was asked about the key issues for the coming general election and whether youths would be the main target group.

Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal, who also spoke, said young voters, especially in Kelantan, remained influenced by family and religious values.

“Youths (in Kelantan) are generally more religious and tend to follow their parents. Many were first-time voters in GE15, and parents played a strong role in shaping their political understanding,” he said.

‘Religion not sole driver of PAS’s success in Kelantan’

Wan Fayhsal said Kelantan’s voters were often misunderstood, stressing that the strong support for PAS seen in the state was not due to religious reasons alone.

“People from the west coast tend to misjudge voters from the east coast. Just because they vote for PAS does not mean they are foolish. They understand the federal government has been under-investing (in the state),” he said.

Nik Nazmi said Kelantan’s Malay community was hard-working and enterprising but economically stagnant due to slow development growth during Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s tenure as prime minister, adding that the “state government also bears responsibility”.

He said PAS also continued to win in Kelantan due to strong grassroots machinery and messaging.

“PAS has managed to deliver effective messaging focussed on religion. The legacy and aura of (former menteri besar and PAS spiritual leader) Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat remain strong in Kelantan,” he said.

“They (PAS) have been on the ground consistently.

“Even when they field an incumbent, the next candidate is already laying the groundwork by attending events and funerals for years,” Nik Nazmi said.