KUALA LUMPUR, July 7 — The youth need to avoid being influenced by sensitive issues, especially the 3Rs (religion, royalty and race) in the run-up to the state elections next month.
Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Adam Adli Abd Halim said youngsters should instead use the opportunity to evaluate and rationally decide which party should helm their state governments.
“I believe the young people are very critical and wise. They are the informed group with information sources at their fingertips, which lets them make comparisons and understand the current situation.
“This is an opportunity for them to be decision-makers, which is for their own interests in their respective states.
“I hope the young people will use this opportunity to vote rationally and in an orderly manner, and celebrate the spirit of a healthy democracy,” he said when met after guesting on Bernama Radio’s Jendela Fikir programme here today.
Adam Adli said the youth are free to express their views, argue and criticise certain matters, but it should be done reasonably.
“In the run-up to the state elections, debates on politics should touch on policies that benefit the community, not about playing with perceptions, making accusations, or slandering others,” Adam Adli said.
The Election Commission has set August 12 as polling day for the six states holding elections — Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu, Penang, Selangor and Negeri Sembilan.
Nomination is on July 29 while early voting is on August 8.
— Bernama
