AUGUST 16 — In a series of state elections held recently in six states, Malaysia witnessed a stark illustration of the challenges posed by increasing Polarisation and a deficiency in political education among its youth population.
We just cannot deny the big traction coming from the youths after the implementation of Undi-18. With the empowerment of the young through the Undi-18 initiative, the elections saw significant engagement in the political process.
The outcomes of these elections serve as a sobering reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive political education initiatives to address the divide and ensure a more informed electorate in the country.
Polarisation evident in election results was imminent and the state elections held across six Malaysian states have exposed the extent to which Polarisation has penetrated the country’s political landscape.
While polarisation is not a new phenomenon, it has become increasingly pronounced in recent years.
The election outcomes demonstrated a clear divide among the electorate, with voters aligning themselves along ideological lines that are often deeply rooted in ethnic and religious identities.
The echoes of Polarisation reverberated loudly in the recent state elections, shining a spotlight on a deeply ingrained divide within the Malaysian political landscape.
While polarisation isn’t a novel concept, recent times have witnessed its intensification. The outcomes of these elections unveiled a sharp schism among voters, with ideologies aligning along ethnic and religious lines.
The resulting fragmentation within the electorate has led to significant challenges in forming stable governing coalitions, and it has the potential to hinder constructive political discourse and policymaking.
As the elections unfolded, it became evident that the absence of a shared understanding and respectful dialogue across differing viewpoints was impeding the formation of a coherent political agenda that would address the diverse needs of the populace.
Needless to say, the lack of political education among youths is deemed a critical factor contributing to the growing Polarisation among youths, who constitute a substantial portion of the Malaysian population.
Political education plays a pivotal role in shaping the attitudes and perspectives of the younger generation towards politics, governance, and societal values.
The absence of adequate political education can lead to uninformed decisions, susceptibility to propaganda, and reinforcement of echo chambers that deepen divisions. That’s where the grasp of knowledge in politics is important.
In many instances, youths might be influenced by information that lacks proper context or is steeped in sensationalism.
This lack of a nuanced understanding of political processes and ideologies can be exploited by opportunistic actors seeking to further their own agendas.
The outcome is a disengaged electorate that lacks the tools to critically evaluate candidates, policies, and party platforms.
This boils down to the question, how can we properly address these shortcomings?
The state elections underscore the urgent need for a comprehensive effort to enhance political education, particularly among Malay youths who contribute to the most numbers of voters.
While formal education systems have a role to play, this effort must extend beyond classrooms and engage with young Malaysians in a way that resonates with their experiences and aspirations.
Political education should encompass a range of topics, including civic participation, critical thinking, media literacy, and an understanding of the political processes and institutions that shape their lives.
It is crucial to equip young Malaysians with the skills necessary to engage in informed and respectful political discussions, fostering a culture of constructive debate that transcends partisan divisions.
The urgency for a call to action
The outcomes of the recent state elections underscore the pressing need for immediate action.
Addressing the issue of Polarisation and the lack of political education requires a multifaceted approach involving educators, policymakers, civil society organisations, and the media.
Initiatives such as workshops, seminars, and online platforms that encourage open dialogue and the exchange of ideas can play a pivotal role in bridging divides and nurturing a more politically informed citizenry.
As Malaysia moves forward, it must prioritise the development of a politically educated and engaged youth population. By doing so, the country can lay the foundation for a more inclusive, informed, and cohesive political landscape that serves the diverse needs of its citizens and ensures the prosperity of its future generations.
Here’s the breakdown of the vote involving six states namely, Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah, Negeri Sembilan, Penang and Selangor.
While many were discussing the status quo after PH-BN and PN draw 3-3. We must not forget the underlying causes, the factors that lead to this green wave and dampen the vote for Pakatan Harapan.
The internal factors such as the need to preserve the prosperous living of the states throughout this democratic process, and the decision made by the people to vote for their preferred leader speak it all about the current political turmoil.
Malaysia’s forward trajectory rests upon prioritising the development of politically astute and engaged youth.
By investing in political education, Malaysia can chart a course towards an inclusive, informed, and unified political landscape — a landscape capable of addressing the diverse aspirations of its citizens and ensuring the prosperity of generations to come.
Deciphering the State Election Votes, we must be peering through the electoral numbers in the six states — Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah, Negeri Sembilan, Penang, and Selangor — an intricate narrative emerges.
The impact of the youth-led Undi-18 initiative was undeniable, igniting conversations across ethnic and societal boundaries.
These figures highlight the significance of these votes:
Malays and non-Malays vote in the state elections
Undi Melayu:
Kedah
PN — 83 per cent
PH BN — 17 per cent
Penang
PN — 73 per cent
PH BN — 17 per cent
Selangor
PN — 73 per cent
PH BN — 17 per cent
Negeri Sembilan
PN — 58 per cent
PH BN — 42 per cent
Undi bukan Melayu:
Kedah, Penang, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan
PN — <1 per cent
PH BN — 99 per cent.
These numbers underscore the nuanced dynamics shaping these elections, reinforcing the imperative for comprehensive political education that bridges the divide and nurtures a unified future.
* Mohamad Shafiq Sahruddin is an analyst at Global Asia Consulting Sdn Bhd, former United Nations officer and political science graduate from International Islamic University Malaysia.
* Mohammad Imran Mohammad Saeed is a political activist in Kelantan and a post graduate student at Arshad Ayub Graduate Business School, UiTM.
** This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
