A political awakening for many first-time voters
“The right leaders will ensure that youth are not bogged down by socioeconomic burdens through proper governance.”
Rowena Vannessa Roger
KOTA KINABALU: For first-time voters, Saturday will be a day to remember.
Rowena Vannesa Roger, 23, said before Undi18 was passed, she was unaware of the importance of voting although she always felt excited about elections.
The Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) undergraduate said she started learning about politics and voting through social media and news portals.
“Through awareness programmes, we were guided on how to choose our future leaders. These people have to be responsible and help the people in various aspects,” she said during a programme on the importance of voting in Putatan here on Saturday night.
Rowena said she now knows that youth also have a voice and can help determine the future of the nation.
“The right leaders will ensure that youth are not bogged down by socioeconomic burdens through proper governance and implementation of policies,” she added.
Nurul Shafizah Hanff, 21, also from UMS, said most people her age used to be silent on political issues.
“Now, we are more aware of our right to speak up and how we too can determine the direction of our country,” she said.
Putatan incumbent MP and PKR vice-president Awang Husaini Sahari, who hosted the programme, said leaders should take into account the voices and aspirations of youth when drawing up policies.
He added that the younger generation will determine the direction of this country, and their votes will play an important role in determining the government.
Husaini is defending the Putatan parliamentary seat in the 15th General Election.