Media use and political participation among Malaysia’s aging citizens: optimism and challenges

• Main Authors: Syed Abdullah Idid, Syed Arabi, Mohamed, Shafizan
• Format: Conference or Workshop Item
• Language: English; English
• Published: 2022
• Subjects: H61.8 Communication of information; HM706 Social structure; JQ715 Politics and Government in Malaysia
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/101232/1/Media%20use%20and%20political%20participation.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/101232/2/Media%20use%20and%20political%20participation%20among%20Malaysia%27s.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/101232/

Malaysia's population is rapidly ageing. By 2040, it will have a virtually equal proportion of young and elderly citizens (Department of Statistics Malaysia, 2020). What would this entail for politics in Malaysia? This study focuses on a generation that is sometimes overlooked while discussing politics and nation building. Elder generations are typically viewed as contributors from the past, and their effect is typically viewed from a historical viewpoint. As the population ages, however, they become healthier, wealthier, and more capable; therefore, it is necessary to recognise that ageing citizens will continue to make substantial contributions to the nation. As part of a national study on voter behaviour in December 2020, 230 citizens aged 51 and over were asked about their media consumption, political views, and future expectations. Despite facing the COVID19 epidemic at the time of the survey, the study found that ageing citizens were optimistic about the future. They were also active media consumers who were highly aware of current affairs. The findings imply that politically knowledgeable and media engaged aging citizens are a significant segment in society that will continue to grow in importance in the future. This necessitates that all political decisions and nation-building endeavours take into account the elderly as key stakeholders.