The 15th General Election (GE15) saw a significant shift in support towards Perikatan Nasional (PN), particularly among Malay youth. However, a recent study by Iman Research challenges the narrative that this was a surge of religious conservatism or a desire for theocracy. Instead, the findings suggest that Malay youth largely viewed their vote for PN as a powerful expression of dissatisfaction with the perceived poor governance of previous administrations.

Beyond the 'Green Wave' Narrative

The term “green wave,” referring to the rise of PAS and its allies within PN, has been widely used to explain the electoral gains. However, Iman Research’s detailed analysis, based on surveys and interviews, paints a more nuanced picture. The study indicates that while religious values remain important to Malay youth, their primary motivation for supporting PN was rooted in economic anxieties, frustration with corruption, and a general lack of faith in the ability of established political parties to deliver tangible improvements in their lives.

Key Findings of the Study

• Governance Concerns Dominant: The overwhelming majority of Malay youth surveyed cited issues like rising cost of living, inadequate job opportunities, and perceived corruption as their main drivers for seeking change.
• Not a Push for Islamisation: The study explicitly refuted the claim that Malay youth were voting for PN to promote a more Islamic state. While they value Islamic principles, they did not see PN’s policies as inherently more aligned with their religious beliefs than those of other parties.
• Desire for Reform: A strong desire for political and economic reform was a consistent theme throughout the research. Malay youth expressed a longing for a government that is accountable, transparent, and responsive to their needs.
• Disillusionment with Established Parties: Years of political instability and broken promises have eroded trust in traditional political players, creating an opening for alternative voices like PN.

Implications for the Future

The Iman Research findings have significant implications for Malaysian politics. It highlights the need for political parties to address the underlying concerns of young voters, particularly those related to governance and economic opportunity. Simply relying on religious rhetoric or identity politics is unlikely to resonate with this demographic.

Furthermore, the study underscores the importance of understanding the complexities of Malay youth’s political motivations. Reducing their choices to a simplistic “green wave” narrative risks overlooking the deeper issues at play and hindering efforts to build a more inclusive and responsive political system.

Moving Forward: Addressing the Root Causes

To regain the trust of Malay youth, political leaders must prioritize good governance, transparency, and economic reforms. This includes tackling corruption, creating a level playing field for businesses, and investing in education and skills development. Addressing these root causes is crucial for building a sustainable and prosperous Malaysia, where young people feel empowered and hopeful about the future.