Approach young voters in a new way, Zahid tells Mubarak

Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today advised the Malaysian Council of Former Elected Representatives (Mubarak) to approach young voters in a new and efficient way.

The Deputy Prime Minister said this was because the younger generation don't dwell much on history; they have different demands and needs.

"We have to bear the reality that we can no longer play the nostalgic card to a first-time voter. They need to know, what's in store for them in the future? What are they capable of doing?" Ahmad Zahid said at the ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of the Wisma Mubarak building in Jalan Sentul here.

However, Ahmad Zahid, who is also UMNO deputy president, said although the younger generation have different demands, it did not mean that they should forget about history altogether.

"This is what Mubarak members should play up, although history is in the form of nostalgic moments but the young voters should never forget them. Because 20 or 50 years from now, they need to know, what is defined as independence and the Malaysian struggle?" he said.

Thus, it was crucial to 'balance out' the situation and this must be done in an effective manner.

"It's impossible to have the new without the old. The young should respect the old, and the old should embrace the new," he said, adding that fitting in with the new generation was one way to ensure Mubarak members remain relevant.

Ahmad Zahid also hoped for Mubarak members to continue contributing ideas for the country's development.

"Don't think we are no longer relevant. We just need to adapt to reality, We don't want the Gen Y, Gen Z or Gen Alpha to forget their roots and their history."