Mengapa belia Malaysia tidak turun ke jalanan

In Malaysia, unlike in Europe, dissatisfaction with living costs still remains controlled, according to political analyst Syaza Shukri. The political stalemate and doubts over whether protests can bring about change might be among the reasons why young people in Malaysia do not take to the streets, even though they face many problems that sparked protests in Europe, a university professor explained.

Economic grievances shared by youth in countries like France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal include low wages, unaffordable housing, rising living costs, and education issues. While these demonstrations can turn violent, political analyst Khoo Ying Hooi from the University of Malaya notes that Malaysian youth share similar concerns, but Malaysia lacks a well-organized and sustained youth movement, particularly in championing economic issues.

The long history of student activism and mass gatherings in the country has created a "cautious culture." Now, the more significant factor, she believes, is political apathy and growing distrust of political institutions, which, for young people, especially those who have witnessed repeated political conflicts and broken promises, might make them feel that participating in politics does not necessarily lead to meaningful change.

Young Malaysians also struggle with low wages, job insecurity, and increasing living costs, which may not have the time or energy to join demonstrations, especially if they feel their participation won't bring about meaningful change. However, Khoo reminds that the absence of large-scale demonstrations does not mean young people do not care about politics.

Many express their dissatisfaction through social media, issue-based campaigns, voter participation, and community activities. While social media can quickly draw attention, that attention does not necessarily develop into a lasting organization or sustained political pressure. Khoo suggests we may be witnessing a generation of people disappointed with politics but lacking the connection with the collective organization needed to drive large-scale mobilization.

The story of student activism in Malaysia, from the 1970s activism to the Reformasi and Bersih movements, shows that large-scale movements do not form spontaneously but require sustained organization, shared demands, and the ability to build cooperation among diverse social groups. For an economy-driven movement of this size, Khoo says young people need to link their personal financial struggles with broader issues such as wages, housing, inequality, and economic opportunities.

Linking personal experiences of financial instability with broader issues like wages, housing, inequality, and economic opportunities is essential. Building connections between students, young workers, labor unions, civil society organizations, and communities from various backgrounds and social strata also needs strengthening. Meanwhile, political analyst Syaza Shukri from the International University of Malaysia (UIAM) notes that dissatisfaction with living costs remains contained, with the government being perceived as attentive to public concern.

She cites the increase in financial assistance announced in the 2027 budget as an example, while pointing out that Malaysia has not yet reached the level of economic hardship that would prompt large-scale street protests. Culturally, particularly among Malays, people are taught that being anxious is worse. Young Malaysians are also more comfortable expressing their dissatisfaction online than joining demonstrations, which could put them at risk of arrest.

However, she says that economic issues like low wages and rising living costs can become the main political issue, especially if exploited by opposition parties. The feasibility of this depends on whether the public feels their concerns are truly being heard.