Commentary: Upcoming Malaysia state polls will test PM Anwar’s appeal among ethnic community

Kedah is emerging as a crucial fight, where PH leaders hope to demonstrate that the coalition may reclaim political ground or even narrowly win in an area that is more than 80 % Malay-dominated. & nbsp,

VOTE FOR THE YOUTH RACE

The decline in popularity that UMNO has experienced in recent years does never appear to be abating, according to nearby officials of the top. To give his alliance a chance to keep his financial promises, Mr. Anwar is counting on first-time electors and the younger Malay people.

The younger voters have no ingrained loyalty to UMNO, in contrast to earlier generations who usually supported the party because it was credited with achieving independence from the British, resolving cultural pressure in the late 1960s, and implementing comprehensive programs that helped common Malays progress financially.

Following Malaysia’s decision to raise the voting age from 21 to 18, 5 million new voters were added to the political rolls in November 2022. & nbsp,

On this storm, Mr. Anwar is counting.

Senior correspondent Leslie Lopez for CNA Digital covers political and economic matters in the area.