What does youth want? a qualitative study on the type of leadership preferred by Malaysian youth

Youth in Malaysia is becoming increasingly politically engaged and active. They are also more inclined to be more open-minded and open to diversity. They also increasingly support parties and candidates seen as more progressive and reform-minded. In addition, they are less likely to support parties seen as entrenched and out of touch with the needs of citizens. The topic of leadership is of great importance in today's society, particularly when it comes to the role of youth in shaping the future. Hence, this study aims to identify the criteria of the national leaders preferred by the youth of Malaysia. In order to achieve the objective of this study, the phenomenological qualitative research design was used to conduct this study. The data were collected through an in-depth interview with the seven informants who fulfilled the study's criteria. The study found three main criteria as the baseline for choosing the leader. In addition, another five sub-criteria were found to select the leader to represent their voices. Young people tend to vote for candidates who have an attitude of integrity, morality, fundamental rights, and democratic competence in government management of the people's aspirations. The implication of this study indicates that the young generation's voices on their belief concerning integrity, morality, fundamental rights, and democratic competence are more important in building up the nations.