Melaka polls: Age no barrier to serving the people, says PH candidate

MELAKA: Age should not be the yardstick for determining a candidate's ability to serve the people, Pakatan Harapan candidate for Klebang, Farzana Hayani Mohd Nasir said.

The 26-year-old, one of the younger candidates contesting in the Melaka election, said determination, sincerity and a willingness to understand the people's concerns were more important than years of experience.

Farzana, better known as Nana, said she was unfazed by criticism over her age and perceived lack of experience, maintaining that young candidates were equally capable of representing their communities.

"Experience should not be measured by age alone.

"As long as we have the determination, sincerity and commitment to help the people, continue engaging with the grassroots and identify local issues, I believe voters will place their trust in us," she said when met during the Kopilih Harapan programme last night.

Besides Farzana, Mukhlisul Mubin Julasapiyah is another young PH candidate contesting the Kuala Linggi seat.

However, a check on social media found that some netizens remained sceptical about the two young candidates, citing their lack of experience.

As a Gen Z candidate herself, Farzana said she was also adopting a different approach to engage younger voters, including organising informal coffee sessions and youth-oriented activities.

She said such initiatives were important in reaching out to first-time voters, particularly following the lowering of the voting age to 18.

"We need to think of more interesting ways to attract young voters.

"As a Gen Z myself, I try to connect with young people through activities such as coffee sessions and youth programmes."