A Lost Generation - Youth in Politics | Syed Saddiq | TEDxMonashUniversityMalaysia

Summary

In this powerful speech, the speaker urges the youth of Malaysia to overcome apathy and become actively involved in politics. Highlighting the challenges faced by young people, such as a lack of representation, age-based exclusion, and societal pressures, the speaker emphasizes the need for reforms that lower age barriers and encourage youth participation. With personal anecdotes and a call for a collective effort, the speech inspires the younger generation to push for change, ensuring their voices are heard in shaping Malaysia's future. The speaker envisions a more inclusive and youth-driven political landscape.

Takeaways

• 😀 Youth apathy is a significant challenge for political participation in Malaysia, with over 60% of young people not caring about politics.
• 😀 Over two-thirds of young people below the age of 30 in Malaysia have not yet registered to vote, despite it being a fundamental right.
• 😀 Structural barriers, such as limited representation and societal pressure, prevent youth from engaging in politics and political structures.
• 😀 Personal experience highlights that young people face ridicule and discouragement when they attempt to enter politics due to perceived inexperience.
• 😀 Young people are often seen as 'empty cans' or incapable of contributing to important political discussions, which undermines their potential.
• 😀 The introduction of youth-centric reforms, such as lowering the age for political office and establishing term limits, can ensure a refresh of political leadership.
• 😀 Representation of youth in the Malaysian Parliament is disappointingly low, with only 9% of MPs being below 40 years old.
• 😀 Reforms should focus on breaking down the barriers that restrict young people from engaging in political debates and university discussions, particularly in public universities.
• 😀 There is a need to push more young people into the political frontline, ensuring that their voices are heard and not represented solely by older generations.
• 😀 Building support networks and gaining political experience early in life can help young people play a more substantial role in shaping the nation's future.
• 😀 A united youth voice across political ideologies can lead to a more youth-friendly political environment, rejuvenating the political system and creating an inclusive Malaysia.

Q & A

What is the primary issue discussed in the speech regarding youth in Malaysia?

The primary issue discussed is the lack of political participation and representation of young people in Malaysia, with the speech highlighting the fact that only 9% of the parliamentarians in Malaysia are young, despite the significant political engagement of youth in other countries.

How does Malaysia's youth participation compare to other countries?

Malaysia ranks 47th out of 51 countries in the Youth Development Index when it comes to political participation, lagging behind neighboring countries like Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, and even Cambodia.

What is the root cause of youth apathy, according to the speaker?

The root cause of youth apathy is both the lack of structural avenues for young people to engage in political processes and the negative perceptions of youth, often being dismissed as incapable of engaging in serious political discourse.

What personal experience does the speaker share about entering politics?

The speaker shares their experience of entering politics at 19 years old and the challenges they faced, including their involvement in the Padano Fellowship Program, where they conducted research and presented it to high-level officials, only to find that youth voices were still not being taken seriously in political discussions.

What challenge did the speaker face when trying to push for youth-led reforms in politics?

The speaker encountered resistance from older political figures, who belittled the contributions of young people, dismissing their ideas and limiting the representation of youth in political leadership, despite their efforts to push for reforms like age limits for political positions.

What does the speaker propose as a solution to the youth apathy problem?

The speaker suggests reforming laws that restrict political expression and participation in universities and encouraging more young people to take up leadership roles within political structures to ensure their voices are heard and that political power is refreshed regularly with youth involvement.

How does the speaker address the perception that academics suffer when engaging in politics?

The speaker rejects this perception, sharing personal experiences and examples of others who balanced academics and political engagement successfully, demonstrating that involvement in politics does not necessarily harm academic performance.

What specific political reforms does the speaker advocate for in the Malaysian system?

The speaker advocates for reducing the age limits for political positions to 35 years, implementing term limits for leaders, and ensuring more youth and women are given positions in leadership, to ensure that the political system remains dynamic and inclusive.

What is the significance of youth involvement in politics, according to the speaker?

The speaker emphasizes that youth involvement is crucial for ensuring that the voices of young people are represented in national discourse. Their active participation would ensure that their concerns are addressed and would contribute to a more inclusive, diverse political landscape.

What is the speaker's vision for the future of Malaysia's political system?

The speaker envisions a Malaysia where youth have a stronger voice in shaping national policies, where young people's concerns are taken seriously, and where the political system is more inclusive, offering opportunities for youth across all generations to contribute to the nation's future.