In the second series of the Youth Parliamentary Debathon 2022 jointly organised by Malaysiakini and KiniEvents in collaboration with the European Union Delegation to Malaysia. Australian High Commission, along with Taylor’s College, 10 youth representatives across the country tried to address the issue of low voter turnout among youths during the recent election.

The aim of this discussion is to give the youth an opportunity to speak out, voice their challenges and give their views and suggestions on how to encourage other youths to go out and exercise their democratic right.

The debaters between the ages of 18 and 23 brought concrete arguments to convince the audience before they voted to support or oppose the motion.

In total, there were 1157 total voters who participated in the Youth Parliamentary Debathon voting system. Based on the 10 proposals submitted by all the youth representatives, Che Aidil Erfan’s (from the opposition bench) suggestion on (No Attractive Policy Offers) received the highest vote which is 86%.

The 22-year-old student from International Islamic University Malaysia, was awarded the Popular Debater title for the second series of the Youth Parliamentary Debathon 2022.

This was followed by Adam Ashraff (from the government bench) suggestion on (Weak Political Awareness Among The Youths) which had 74% vote and Nurul Hamizatul Ain (from the government bench) suggestion on (Deficit of Trust in Politicians Exists) which had 73% of the vote.

Below are all the 10 proposed suggestions from the youth representatives:

1. Weak Political Awareness

2. Issues with Transportation and Network

3. The High Past Cost of Getting Out the Vote

4. Kleptocracy

5. No Attractive Policy Offers

6. Weaknesses In Political Education Literacy

7. University and University College Act 1971

8. Lack Of Exposure And A Weak Foundation

9. Deficit of Trust in Politicians Exists

10. No Political Knowledge And Not Ready To Vote

All the problem statements and suggestions presented by the fellow debaters will be documented and submitted to the Youth and Sports Department under the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

The following round of debates will be held from September to October, with students debating on compulsory voting.

You can also rewatch again the first series and the second series of the Youth Parliamentary Debathon 2022. Don’t miss out on the 2nd motion topic of Youth Parliamentary Debathon happening on 24 September at 3pm, click here to RSVP now! For further information on the Youth Parliamentary Debathon visit this website.