We often hear about Malaysian politics from older generations or various stakeholders, but rarely from the younger voices. Recently, the Politics and Governance Programme at the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FSSH), Universiti Malaysia Sarawak organised a forum on Malaysian Politics to highlight the voices of our Gen Z. This wasn’t just an academic exercise; it was a spirited gathering where third year Politics and Government programme students shared their visions and solutions for the nation’s future. With passion and unfiltered perspectives, these speakers demonstrated their readiness and capabilities to contribute significantly to nation building.
Five speakers participated in the Forum, which was held on 21st May 2024. They are Mandaking Missi, Mohamad Izuan bin Md Razib, Nur Najwa Atira binti Nor Rihan, Natasha Syafiah binti Mohd Hanafi, and Nur Arifah Aina binti Abdillah.
Professor Dr Neilson Ilan Mersat, advisor to the Forum, stated that the Forum was created as a platform for Gen Z to share their views on contemporary issues on Malaysian Politics. He explained that this generation is particularly vocal about many issues and they tend to lean towards more progressive political stances compared to previous generations. With the social media they are highly engaged in politics to advocate for causes and spread awareness. They demand transparency and accountability and are quick to call out perceived injustices and hypocrisies. Their exposure to global events and cultures through the internet has given them a more global perspective on politics.
Professor Dr Neilson Ilan also stated that Gen Z are politically active and an influential generation, driven by a desire for progressive change, equality, and sustainability. He also believes that, in the contexts of Malaysian politics, their (Gen Z’s) influence is likely to grow in the coming years. It is good that FSSH, through its Politics and Government Programme, provided a platform for them to express themselves on current issues on Malaysian politics from their perspective. Gen Z plays a very important role in the process of our nation building today.
Similar views were expressed by the Forum participants.
Emma Anchong Chaong
The Forum is an invaluable event, showcasing how students apply their classroom knowledge to current (real world) issues. It also provides an overview of how mature and ready our students are to become future leaders in our society. Holding this forum frequently would be highly beneficial, as it is not only empowers students but also helps our Faculty enhance the academic syllabus to cultivate outstanding graduates.
Dominic Kelie Anak Robert
The forum was important in offering fresh perspectives on current political issues in Malaysia. It is essential to conduct such events regularly to deepen understanding of the political landscape in Malaysia. Thus, this event significantly enhances Gen Z’s knowledge of political aspects in the country, making it an indispensable tool for their political education and engagement.
Regina Sara Anak Senon
On behalf of the POLGOV Society 2023/2024, I am delighted to share my thoughts on the recent forum organized by our society, titled “Bicara Isu-Isu Semasa Politik Malaysia Dari Perspektif Gen Z.” The engagement and insights provided by the five selected students were nothing short of impressive. Their discussions on current political issues in Malaysia highlighted not only their deep understanding but also their genuine concern for the country’s future. It was inspiring to see such a passionate and informed discourse from our younger generation, demonstrating that Gen Z is ready to take on leadership roles and drive positive change. This forum has reinforced the importance of creating more platforms for youth to voice their opinions and contribute to national conversations. Kudos to POLGOV Society for organizing such a meaningful event and to all the participants for their valuable contributions.
A successful forum indeed! Apparently, we need the vision and enthusiasm of Gen Z hand in hand with the wisdom of the elder generation to actively involve in our nation building process. By combining the innovative ideas and technological prowess of the younger generation with the experience and insights of their predecessors, we can create a balanced and dynamic approach to navigating the complex challenges we face in today’s VUCA world. Together, they can foster a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and progress, ensuring that our efforts are sustainable and impactful.
