Young Voters and Malaysia’s Future: New Hope or False Dawn?
MALAYSIA STUDIES PROGRAMME
About the Webinar
Malaysia’s Undi18 constitutional amendment has expanded voting rights to youths aged 18 and above, and the concurrently instituted automatic voter registration removes a hurdle to participating in the electoral process. Malaysia’s youth are, of course, multi-faceted. Many show signs of political awakening, fitting the popular portraits of courage and openness to change. They campaigned to ensure that the Undi18 promise of the 14th General Election was fulfilled, formed the Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (MUDA) party, publicly demonstrated against corruption and high cost of living, and championed various causes such as the climate crisis and education inequality. Many others appear disengaged from the political process and contented with the status quo. It is not hard to find the other popular contrasting portraits of youth: timid and self-absorbed, assimilated by consumerist culture and an education system that stresses conformity and deference.
How will Malaysia’s young adults and new voters impact on the country’s future? How will the political establishment engage with them? Will the young vote in the 15th General Election and if so, what matters most when they cast their ballots? This webinar will grapple with these questions, from the perspective of the current administration’s youth engagement and the findings of the nationwide Youth Aspiration Manifesto Survey.
About the Speakers
Dato’ Sri Ti Lian Ker is Malaysia’s Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports. He is a Senator in the Dewan Negara representing Pahang, and was an elected member of Pahang’s state legislature from 1995 to 2008. He has been Vice-President of the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) since 2018, and Chief of MCA’s Kuantan division since 2004. Senator Ti also chairs MCA’s Institute of Strategic Analysis and Policy Research (INSAP). He is an LLB (Hons) graduate of Universiti Malaya and was a solicitor advocate before entering politics.
Jason Wee is the co-founder of Architects of Diversity Malaysia, a non-profit that aims to bridge communities and identity groups among youth for justice, peace and a sustainable future. Since 2018, AOD has partnered with local and international organisations, including the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations. Jason has led programmes and research projects on racial and religious misunderstanding, prejudice and conflict, focused on mending Malaysia’s growing divide. He is a graduate of the School of Public and International Affairs, Princeton University.
Registration
This webinar will be delivered online entirely. You can join the webinar at the specified date and time using devices (computer, phone, or tablet) with internet connection.
Please register here to receive your unique link for joining the webinar.
If you have questions for the speakers, please key in your questions via the Q&A, stating your name and affiliation. The moderator will field them to the speakers during the Q&A session.