SHAH ALAM – Young Malaysians should not place blind faith in politicians but should instead trust their own judgment and remain actively engaged in shaping the country’s future, says Higher Education Deputy Minister Adam Adli.
Urging the youth to raise their expectations of those in power, he said that political accountability begins with participation rather than personality.
“Young Malaysians should not blindly trust politicians. Instead, they should trust themselves and stay engaged. You shape the political leaders you want through your participation and expectations,” he told Sinar Daily during a recent episode of Politically Frank.
The Melaka PKR State Leadership Council chairman also addressed concerns regarding extremist narratives targeting young voters, noting that the responsibility to counter such rhetoric lies partly with younger politicians themselves.
He argued that leaders must demonstrate tolerance, humility and sincerity if they hope to win over a generation increasingly disillusioned by race- and religion-based politics.
“What frustrates me most about the political system is how we sometimes have prolonged disagreements over things that are already good and thoroughly discussed.
“Decisions are sometimes made not in the interest of the people, but based on political ego,” he added.
Adam, who is also the Hang Tuah Jaya MP, stressed that Parliament must function as a platform for substance rather than spectacle.
He added that constructive debate is essential to ensure public funds are not wasted on political grandstanding.
“If I could fix one thing in Parliament tomorrow, it would be to have more constructive debates so we don’t waste taxpayers’ money and time. Parliament should be a platform where good policies are properly debated and made,” he said.
When asked what his life would look like had he not joined PKR, Adam suggested that education and civil society would likely still define his path, reflecting a long-standing commitment to reform and youth empowerment.
“I would probably be in school teaching or working in civil society. I don’t see myself joining another political party,” he said.