Many obstacles ahead of young politicians, say analysts

 

Not all youths are exposed to politics and their ignorance is shown by ‘unfounded comments on political social media posts’, says an analyst

PETALING JAYA: Young politicians face many obstacles before they can make an impact in a general election, say two political analysts. Not only do young leaders lack political and social experience, they also lack the political backing of senior leaders.

Many young people also do not fully understand Malaysia’s political structures and functions, said Azmi Hassan, senior research fellow at Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research.

“Not all youths are exposed to politics” and this is demonstrated by their “unfounded comments on political social media posts”, he said.

Azmil Tayeb of Universiti Sains Malaysia said young politicians needed experience as well as the political backing of senior leaders.

Established political parties have not done a good job in grooming young leaders to move up the ranks and equipping them with the necessary tools to run the country, Azmil said.

“Younger leaders in other countries like Jacinda Arden of New Zealand, Justin Trudeau of Canada and Sanna Marin of Finland began their political activism at an early age, were exposed to the political arena and have had the backing of senior leaders in their parties,” said Azmi.

However, Farzana Hayani, the 21-year-old Pakatan Harapan candidate in the recent Melaka state elections, failed to garner enough votes because she lacked exposure and experience.

Azmi said young leaders in parties dominated by senior politicians would find it difficult to be considered or nominated for positions. “For instance, Umno’s political hierarchy makes it difficult for young leaders to be selected.”

Newer parties like Muda did not have the luxury of choice and the selected candidates may be unknown.

Azmil said younger leaders are severely lacking in grassroots mobilisation, party loyalty, name recognition and an agenda that excites a broad cross-section of the society.

“They need to spend more time organising on the ground to make themselves known and to convince people that they are serious. There also has to be a clear ideology at the heart of their agenda, not simply populist campaign promises that can be abandoned whenever it is convenient,” he said.

He said senior politicians and their younger party comrades should be open-minded enough to discuss and accept new ideas. “The senior politicians are experienced and have wisdom while the youth make up for their lack of experience with passion and fresh ideas.” - FMT