UMNO may have found a crack in the PAS armour

The youth could be the key to the Malay heartlands

If one has spent any time in any part of the Malay heartlands, there is a polarization of the population that will be observed. Yes, the Malay heartlands are full of mosques, which overflow with worshipers for Friday prayers. However, go to Zohor prayers any other day and see the difference.

Part of the youth cohort have been brought up in Madrasas and learnt the Al-Quran in detail. They pursue their religious destiny and become loyal PAS followers.

However, there is another youth cohort that is not often mentioned. Many youths are not piously following their religion. They may follow any rituals they need to in public, but in their hearts are rebelling against the institutionalisation of their religion. Away from others, except for their close peers they live in another culture. For example, during Ramadan, some will hide away in corners where no one can see them, while some women have extended menstrual cycles during that month.

In fact, much of the youth of the Malay heartlands are not there. They seek work in cities, KL being the preferred destination and live life how they see fit. The incidence of drug usage and unmarried pregnancies in the heartlands is high.

Much of the female cohort within this group wants to earn a living and look after their parents and siblings. That’s their priority. Many of the males reject their religious destinies and become part of the metaphoric ‘gangster’ class (as coined by Dr Azly Rahman).

This is the group that rejects PAS. Until now, they have been silent. However, UMNO during the byelection campaign has discovered this group. The ‘gangster’ youth will support a ‘gangster’ political party. This is certainly the image these youths have of people like Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh.

This culture is not just restricted to the youth. There is the ‘gangster’ side across all Malay age groups. Those who in their heart are rebelling against the existing repressive Malay culture. They don’t conform to what is expected of them.

These people wanted to respect Anwar Ibrahim. However, now he is just trying to emulate the norm. The youth don’t want an Ulama as a leader. The youth in the heartlands want a rugged Malay. This type of personality appeals. The youth cohort want earthy people who can talk to them in a way that appeals to their aspirations.

If UMNO taps into this youth cohort, the party may energize a major part of the youth vote, which will positively affect election results for UMNO.

Subscribe Below: