The Challenger Malaysia (Change Led by the Young Generation) president said youths must be exposed to the complexities of a political career, including “understanding where certain peers lean differently on policies, how to manage aid work and how to lobby for constitutional change”.
Subang MP Wong Chen had recently advised the younger generation against rushing into politics, citing a lack of reliable role models in Malaysia’s political sphere.
The PKR man suggested that young people instead spend their early adult years building their careers before considering a career in politics.
“You should get married, have children and work in the corporate sector for at least 10 years. If you still feel strongly about politics, then enter politics,” he said at the Asean Youth Economic Forum 2025.
While Jean did not completely disagree, she pointed out that many of our current politicians began their careers in their 20s.
She said youths should be exposed to opportunities beyond merely being used as political machinery in their party’s youth wing, claiming they are often sidelined in policy discussions and not given leadership roles.
Without access to the party’s leadership network, young people will not be in a position to lobby to be fielded as a election candidate, she added.
Borneo Konrad coordinator Mukmin Nantang, however, agreed with Wong and warned aspiring young leaders that they may lose their sense of purpose in the absence of positive role models in their parties.
However, he disagreed with Wong’s advice that they delay their entry into politics, and only cautioned against younger party members blindly following their more senior counterparts.
“Idealism and principles erode because they do not get good examples when they enter formal political structures,” he said.
Youth representation remains important
Meanwhile, Undi18 co-founder and advocacy director Tharma Pillai insisted that young voters be given direct representation in policy-making, as over half the electorate is below 40 years old.
He said a healthy democracy must reflect the needs and views of all its citizens, especially its youth.
“Youth representation is important because different generations have different unique concerns and cultural norms.
“It is not just policy differences, but also worldview differences in some cases between older and younger generations,” he said.