ALOR GAJAH: A low turnout among about 4,000 young voters could stall progress and leave Machap Jaya behind, said Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate Datuk Ginie Lim.
The coalition’s candidate for the 16th Melaka state election urged first-time and outstation voters to return home and cast their ballots as residents prepare for polling day.
Lim, who previously represented the constituency, said voters under the age of 30 account for about 20 per cent of the total registered electorate in Machap Jaya, making them key voters in the contest.
“Youths make up about 20 per cent of the electorate in Machap, with roughly 4,000 registered voters under 30.
“If our young people do not seize this opportunity and come out to vote, the change we hope to see simply will not happen quickly enough.
“I am pleading with our young voters, first-time voters and those working outstation, please come home and vote,” Lim said when met on the campaign trail.
Based on Election Commission (EC) electoral roll data, the Machap Jaya seat has 16,030 registered voters.
The constituency has a diverse ethnic make-up, with Malays accounting for about 47 per cent, followed by Chinese voters at 36 per cent, Indians at 13.7 per cent and Orang Asli communities at about 2.1 per cent.
The contest is a three-cornered fight between Lim, Barisan Nasional (BN) incumbent Datuk Ngwe Hee Sem of MCA, and Bersama candidate Prasanth Kumar Brakasam.
Ngwe won the seat in the 2021 state election with a 938-vote majority in a multi-cornered contest, while Lim won it for PH-PKR in the 2018 general election with a 1,336-vote majority.
Lim said political apathy could cost the younger generation crucial opportunities to benefit from new economic developments and industrial investments coming into Melaka.
“A five-year term may seem brief, but it is enough time to effect substantial change.
“Melaka’s economy is expanding beyond traditional tourism, with new factories and corporate ventures being set up under federal initiatives.
“The opportunities are there, but the question is whether our youth will be ready to take up these jobs.”
To prepare rural youth for the emerging job market, Lim pledged to roll out targeted development programmes, including career carnivals, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) modules, and artificial intelligence (AI) upskilling.
“Even focused interventions can drastically alter someone’s trajectory and mindset, especially for young people who are in the middle of building their lives. We want to enrich their skills so they can secure better jobs and stronger economic prospects.”
Lim also said her campaign team reflects this demographic, comprising young activists, women and Orang Asli representatives who are ready to bridge the gap between community needs and the government.
“We need someone who wants to work and work fast. We cannot afford to let apathy decide the outcome when the future of our youth is at stake,” she said.