Youths generally rent instead of purchasing property due to their lower incomes. Among the many reasons rental charges may be high is because in some cases, properties are bought as investments and not as just places to stay. More than 50% of youths believe that rental charges should have a limit or that the government should create more affordable housing. Many youths are doubtful they could even purchase a house in their lifetime because of the worsening trend in the housing market. The effects are worsened due to the pandemic as income has reduced. However, effective and stricter housing policies can reverse this trend so that the youth of today can find more affordable options to own property in the future.

Furthermore, a large number of youths think that the government should increase resources for mental health services. The fear of getting COVID-19 and the loss of loved ones have increased cases of depression, anxiety and stress among the general public. Provisions of mental healthcare currently face a shortage of mental health professionals and an unequal distribution of access to mental health services, especially in rural areas. As the youths of today are faced with newer and tougher challenges in life, mental health is taken extremely seriously by youths.

Many youths feel that punishments for illegal logging should be more strict and infrastructure development should decrease to protect the environment. Youths recognise that environmental justice is also social justice. With activities such as deforestation, rapid urbanisation or increasing population, youth are developing more awareness towards the environment. Environmental concerns will most likely be an issue that youths want political candidates to prioritise more in the future.

It is worth noting that many youths are also unsure about their stance towards these issues. They are neutral about whether the death penalty should be abolished or whether free speech should have restrictions. Much of youth political engagement these days is on social media. Youths use these platforms to have discourse on important matters affecting the country. As social media is an open platform, it has likely changed how youths perceive free speech. Although free speech on social media may be regarded as unrestricted, free speech is subject to conditions under the law. Given how contentious free speech is in Malaysia especially with the rise of online platforms, the debate of what constitutes free or hate speech will most likely continue. Whichever view youths take, it shows that they want Malaysia to be a country that provides justice to its citizens.

Malaysia’s strength comes from its diversity. Many women leaders around the world have shown exceptional capability in politics. Even the youth demographic have played huge roles in promoting change. In the last year, youths began the #Lawan movement and were integral in pushing for political reforms amidst the pandemic. As of 2021, 7.8 million youth voters were added to the electoral roll, which means that youths will have a stronger say in the government of the day. A wider representation in politics would likely lead to more equitable policies for all portions of Malaysia’s diverse society.

The youths of today are adamant about creating a society that has equal opportunities regardless of one’s identity. While youths understand the dangers of the abuse of affirmative action, they recognise the need to uplift communities that lack privilege in important aspects of livelihood. For instance, a majority of youths believe that Bumiputera individuals should be given preferential treatment in sectors such as college admissions, employment in the public sector, micro and small enterprise loans and even housing discounts. Youths wish to see such policies implemented effectively so that underprivileged communities are provided with the opportunities to increase their wealth for a better livelihood.

Furthermore, youths have also expressed concern about income paid by employers. A clear majority of youths believe that the minimum wage should be increased. The cost of living is rising due to inflation and youths need to be able to afford basic necessities for their livelihood if they want to at least live a modest or comfortable life. Furthermore, almost 90% of youths agree that protection should not just be given to regular employees but also to those who are self-employed or gig workers. Thus, employment and job security will likely be a big factor for youth in the upcoming elections.