#GE15: Millennial Voters Share What They Want From The Govt & Why They're Voting
From public transport to the environment, we are all expecting change.
By May Vin Ang — 17 Nov 2022, 06:52 PM
Last week, three of Malaysia's biggest coalitions published their manifestos for the 15th General Election (GE15).
In doing so, these leaders have also made promises for the future of the country.
With the documents from Barisan Nasional (BN), Pakatan Harapan (PH), and Perikatan Nasional (PN) running over 200 pages long combined, this also means voters have many factors to consider when choosing who to give their ballots to.
To find out what millennial Malaysians want and are expecting from the government when voting this election, SAYS ran a survey on the question and here are the best responses:
1. "My ask? First of all, the government has to revamp the transport planning in Malaysia..."
"My ask? First of all, the government has to revamp the transport planning in Malaysia, from the planning of public transport, the control of vehicle population and traffic, as well as strengthening driving licence requirements."
"They should also improve accountability and enforcement of laws for the public and government personnels, namely the member of parliaments (MPs) and government workers."
"I also hope that education can be streamlined to match international standards and industry needs, and food security in Malaysia can also be improved."
- Mike, 29
2. "I expect a government that acknowledges the climate emergency"
"I've been overseas, so it's the first time I'm in Malaysia during elections and I'm taking my chance to vote."
"I expect a government that acknowledges the climate emergency, we need more aggressive urgent strategies, mandates, and policies to support climate action, such as improving public transport quality and accessibility, banning single-use plastics, and encouraging more green urban spaces."
"Not only that, I want to see education reform and the protection of rights of the Orang Asli in Peninsular Malaysia."
- Bianca, 32
3. "I want a government that is chosen based on competence and compassion in helping people regardless of race or age"
"I expect reform on so many fronts. Malaysia needs so much change and improvement, from its public transport system, education system, and healthcare system, to its management of environmental issues and national economic performance."
"I want a government that is chosen based on competence and compassion in helping people regardless of race or age. I would like to see some MPs come back too, such as Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, who was a former health minister, and also Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, who was a former second finance minister."
- CK, 28
4. "All I'm hoping for is a government that cares about the rakyat and promotes fairness among the people"
"So many promises, but all I'm hoping for is a government that cares about the rakyat and promotes fairness among the people. And when I say people, I mean every person who is Malaysian. No more non-Bumiputra disadvantages."
"Not just talk, but walk the talk as well. :)"
- Anis, 28
5. "I hope to see more transparency in governing the country, especially in terms of government financing and allocations for the rakyat"
"My parents are both pro-BN and would like me to vote BN as well, but given their history, I would like to see a different party run the government to see what will change when BN finally comes down from their 60-year throne."
"For the next government, I hope to see more transparency in governing the country, especially in terms of government financing and allocations for the rakyat. I also hope to see actual results after GE and hope the campaigns are not just empty promises. Consistency is needed, but rarely practised."
- Meera, 25
6. "To me, it doesn't matter what coalition the politician I'm voting for is from, as long as they help the rakyat"
"I'm voting hoping that my one vote would make a difference in the political ecosystem in Malaysia, no matter how small. I want, at least, to have a change where the rakyat is being prioritised more than it is now, where we are assisted, instead of being taken advantage of."
"My expectation for the government is to improve the rakyat's wellbeing and life standards, such as the infrastructure in Kelantan and Sabah. To me, it doesn't matter what coalition the politician I'm voting for is from, as long as they help the rakyat."
- Naz, 28
7. "I just expect the running politicians to think like humanitarians, and not like businessmen"
"I just expect the running politicians to think like humanitarians, and not like businessmen. They are running to rule a country with people's lives at stake. As a Malaysian citizen, we are humans, so I expect to be treated like one. Not treated as leverage to add more zeroes to a politician's paycheck."
"I also want the government to respect the people's vote no matter what the outcome is. The rakyat is what makes the country. So, put the citizens as priority and respect our voices. A leader is chosen by the people. A dictator and tyrant is forced upon a country."
- Sarah, 26
8. "To be honest, I don't know... It doesn't seem like there's a clear path to vote for anyone"
"To be honest, I don't know – we have one coalition plagued with corruption, another religious fanatics, and one led by an incompetent leader who failed in counting."
"It doesn't seem like there's a clear path to vote for anyone, so I can't really tell you why I'm voting or what factors are helping me decide. But for sure, I also want a better Malaysia."
- Faiz, 30
