Melaka polls: Young first-time voters want credible leaders who can secure future
By RSN MURALI
Saturday, 26 Sep 2026 | 4:22 PM MYT
MELAKA: Young Melakans preparing to cast their ballots for the first time want more than election promises — they demand credible leaders who can secure their future.
Jobs, education, the cost of living, mental health support and better public facilities are among the issues shaping their choices in the state election.
Despite their differing priorities, the first-time voters share a common expectation that candidates must understand the concerns of young people, keep their word and have a proven record of serving the community.
Maxwell Chua Yoong Herng, 19, admitted that he was only “50% excited” about voting as he had little interest in politics.
MELAKA: Young Melakans preparing to cast their ballots for the first time want more than election promises — they demand credible leaders who can secure their future.
Jobs, education, the cost of living, mental health support and better public facilities are among the issues shaping their choices in the state election.
Despite their differing priorities, the first-time voters share a common expectation that candidates must understand the concerns of young people, keep their word and have a proven record of serving the community.
Maxwell Chua Yoong Herng, 19, admitted that he was only “50% excited” about voting as he had little interest in politics.
Maxwell Chua, 19
Nevertheless, the university student is determined to support the candidate who presents a better future for Melaka.
He said improvements to roads and street lighting, alongside better education for children, would influence his decision.
“I am looking for someone who is charismatic, confident and keeps their word,” he said.
Although uncertain whether a single ballot could have much influence, Chua acknowledged that every vote could ultimately affect the outcome.
He also hoped the next state government would place greater emphasis on education and cultural awareness.
For undergraduate Nurzulia Qur’aini Triwidodo, 23, voting for the first time is both an opportunity to be heard and a major responsibility.
Nevertheless, the university student is determined to support the candidate who presents a better future for Melaka.
He said improvements to roads and street lighting, alongside better education for children, would influence his decision.
“I am looking for someone who is charismatic, confident and keeps their word,” he said.
Although uncertain whether a single ballot could have much influence, Chua acknowledged that every vote could ultimately affect the outcome.
He also hoped the next state government would place greater emphasis on education and cultural awareness.
For undergraduate Nurzulia Qur’aini Triwidodo, 23, voting for the first time is both an opportunity to be heard and a major responsibility.
Nurzulia Qur'aini Triwidodo, 23 “I am very excited, but I also feel that I am carrying a major responsibility. I hope I make the right choice,” she said.
Describing education as a ladder towards a better life, Nurzulia said she would support candidates who made it a priority.
She wants a leader who is compassionate, honest, accessible and genuinely committed to serving the people.
“A candidate must be present, fulfil the responsibilities entrusted to them and demonstrate that they are capable of leading,” she said.
Nurzulia also wants the next state government to establish more affordable and accessible “third spaces” where young people can gather, socialise and organise activities without complicated booking procedures.
“Melaka has great potential to become a youth tourism destination and showcase itself as a state that values creativity,” she said.
She believes young voters could influence the state’s direction through their collective participation.
“My vote alone may not change everything, but if young people come together and participate, we can build a brighter future for the state,” she added.
Meanwhile, M. Preissha, 23, said she was thrilled to have the opportunity to help choose Melaka’s future leaders.
She said her decision would be shaped not only by a candidate’s campaign but, more importantly, by the individual’s actual contributions to the community.
“I want to see what the candidate has genuinely accomplished instead of merely listening to campaign promises,” she said.
Preissha identified adaptability, equality and accountability as essential qualities in a candidate.
“I want someone who can adapt to society’s changing needs, treat everyone equally regardless of background and take responsibility for the decisions made,” she said.
She also called for relatable and accessible mental health awareness programmes for young people.
“I hope more grants and funding will be provided for health and community-based initiatives organised for youths,” she said.
Preissha, who is set to graduate from the International Medical University in November, believes every ballot matters because each one contributes to the final result.
Describing education as a ladder towards a better life, Nurzulia said she would support candidates who made it a priority.
She wants a leader who is compassionate, honest, accessible and genuinely committed to serving the people.
“A candidate must be present, fulfil the responsibilities entrusted to them and demonstrate that they are capable of leading,” she said.
Nurzulia also wants the next state government to establish more affordable and accessible “third spaces” where young people can gather, socialise and organise activities without complicated booking procedures.
“Melaka has great potential to become a youth tourism destination and showcase itself as a state that values creativity,” she said.
She believes young voters could influence the state’s direction through their collective participation.
“My vote alone may not change everything, but if young people come together and participate, we can build a brighter future for the state,” she added.
Meanwhile, M. Preissha, 23, said she was thrilled to have the opportunity to help choose Melaka’s future leaders.
She said her decision would be shaped not only by a candidate’s campaign but, more importantly, by the individual’s actual contributions to the community.
“I want to see what the candidate has genuinely accomplished instead of merely listening to campaign promises,” she said.
Preissha identified adaptability, equality and accountability as essential qualities in a candidate.
“I want someone who can adapt to society’s changing needs, treat everyone equally regardless of background and take responsibility for the decisions made,” she said.
She also called for relatable and accessible mental health awareness programmes for young people.
“I hope more grants and funding will be provided for health and community-based initiatives organised for youths,” she said.
Preissha, who is set to graduate from the International Medical University in November, believes every ballot matters because each one contributes to the final result.
A. Yogendra, 19. Another first-time voter, A. Yogendra, 19, said he was eager to finally have a say in shaping Melaka’s future.
The student said the cost of living and availability of jobs would be the main issues guiding his decision.
“As a young person, I am thinking about my future. It is important to have more opportunities to study, work and build a career in Melaka,” he said.
Yogendra wants candidates who are honest, responsible and hardworking, as well as willing to listen to the people.
He said elected representatives should focus on solving problems instead of merely making promises.
Yogendra also hoped the next state government would create more jobs and internships, expand skills-development programmes and provide greater support for aspiring young entrepreneurs.
“There should also be more activities and spaces where young people can develop their skills and become involved in the community,” he said.
He believes first-time voters could become a decisive force if they turn out in large numbers.
“One vote may seem small, but when many young people participate, our voices can make a difference.
“What matters is that we understand the issues and make our own informed choices,” he added.
Another 19-year-old, Muhammad Farysh Nazrin, said he was excited to exercise his democratic right for the first time and help choose Melaka’s next leaders.
“As a Malaysian, this will be my first opportunity to have a say in choosing the next leader,” he said.
Muhammad Farysh said the state of the economy would be the most important factor influencing his vote.
He wants a competent candidate who can perform effectively, improve the state and remain attentive to the people’s needs.
“The candidate must know how to do the job properly and focus on making Melaka better while also prioritising the people,” he said.
He also hoped the next state government would introduce meaningful improvements to the education system to encourage young people to become more engaged in their studies.
The student said the cost of living and availability of jobs would be the main issues guiding his decision.
“As a young person, I am thinking about my future. It is important to have more opportunities to study, work and build a career in Melaka,” he said.
Yogendra wants candidates who are honest, responsible and hardworking, as well as willing to listen to the people.
He said elected representatives should focus on solving problems instead of merely making promises.
Yogendra also hoped the next state government would create more jobs and internships, expand skills-development programmes and provide greater support for aspiring young entrepreneurs.
“There should also be more activities and spaces where young people can develop their skills and become involved in the community,” he said.
He believes first-time voters could become a decisive force if they turn out in large numbers.
“One vote may seem small, but when many young people participate, our voices can make a difference.
“What matters is that we understand the issues and make our own informed choices,” he added.
Another 19-year-old, Muhammad Farysh Nazrin, said he was excited to exercise his democratic right for the first time and help choose Melaka’s next leaders.
“As a Malaysian, this will be my first opportunity to have a say in choosing the next leader,” he said.
Muhammad Farysh said the state of the economy would be the most important factor influencing his vote.
He wants a competent candidate who can perform effectively, improve the state and remain attentive to the people’s needs.
“The candidate must know how to do the job properly and focus on making Melaka better while also prioritising the people,” he said.
He also hoped the next state government would introduce meaningful improvements to the education system to encourage young people to become more engaged in their studies.
Melayoo are fully united to kick PH out.
ReplyDelete