SIBU: Youths aged 18 to 28 should not be taken for granted especially in the upcoming 15th General Election (GE15) said Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) vice president, Dr Annuar Rapaee.
He believes that youths in this age bracket have their own set of criteria for the prospective leaders they will vote for.
“Some people are quite sceptical about youths having their voting rights at this age,” said Dr Annuar who is Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation, and Talent Development.
“But I think that is not the issue anymore because to me, those aged 18 to 28, they know how to decide.
“In fact, I chatted with several youths attending the programme here today.
“They place a strong emphasis on candidates having a high level of integrity, good education and being people-friendly,” he said when met by reporters at the ‘Program Perintis Belia Bersatu’ at the Civic Centre here yesterday (Aug 27).
“They do not put race as a voting criteria. For example, in a predominantly non-Bumiputera constituency, a Bumiputera (candidate) can win in that area, and vice-versa, in the future.
“This is because these youths see your ability to deliver and not your cultural or religious background. A candidate who can deliver is most important to them.
“Therefore, I am very sure of this although it may not happen during my time, I am very sure of such development (happening) in future,” he said.
Dr Annuar also emphasised that the youth voters would screen through the candidate’s resume and would not be enticed by money or any sort of goodies.
“They also want their prospective elected representatives to be in their early forties or even younger. Anything beyond that, they consider as ‘terlambat’,” he said.
On the event, the Nangka assemblyman hoped that through the programme youths will be able to know their democratic rights and the history of Sarawak.
“As Sarawakians, we need to know our history, we need to know who we are, our forefathers who worked hard for our independence and definitely those who are struggling for the people of Sarawak,” he said.
The programmed held in the Nangka constituency as its third stop after Satok and Pantai Damai state constituencies was attended by 50 participants from Sibu, Mukah and Kapit.
Dr Annuar also suggested that the programme organised by Rumpun Pewaris Sibu be rolled out statewide.
