KUCHING: Voters aged between 18 and 25 are expected to play a significant role in shaping Sarawak's political landscape in the 13th Sarawak State Election (PRN13), following a substantial increase in the number of new voters.

Sarawak Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said all political parties had a role to play in educating young voters to make mature choices based on their own assessments, rather than being influenced by racial or religious sentiments.

He said young voters should not be underestimated, as their significant numbers could influence election outcomes, with nearly 40 per cent of voters in the coming election estimated to be first-time voters.

“Do not underestimate these young people, as they are educated too, and we must respect their right to make their own choices.

“Do not poison their minds with extremist sentiments,” he said at a press conference at Bangunan Baitulmakmur II here on Friday.

He said this trend could also be seen in the Asajaya State Constituency, where the number of voters had increased from more than 12,000 in the previous election to over 19,000, based on the electoral roll as of May, with the figure potentially exceeding 20,000 after taking into account further increases in voter numbers.

He added that election campaigns should also be conducted peacefully and responsibly, without inciting hatred among communities, as political stability was important not only at state level but also had implications for political relations at the Federal level. -UKASnews

Prepared by: Mia Amira Jalil
Photos: Jaed Tepus
Translator: Uilson Ng