KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 29): A total of 1,689 candidates from 12 parties will contest 222 seats nationwide in the Malaysia Youth Parliament (PBMy) elections on Nov 1 and 2.

Dewan Rakyat speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul said the elections would use a proportional representation system, with voting conducted online via the ePBMy application.

Johari, who is also PBMy patron, said the approach would expose young people to an alternative system of representation while leveraging digital technology to facilitate participation in the democratic process.

“I urge all Malaysian youths aged between 18 and 30 who registered as voters through the ePBMy application by Oct 28, 2026, to participate in the voting process on Nov 1 and 2,” he said in a statement on Thursday.

He said the elections were part of ongoing efforts to strengthen young people's understanding of and appreciation for parliamentary democracy.

Johari said the participation of 1,689 candidates reflected the youths' interest and willingness to engage actively in the democratic process and contribute ideas and views on issues affecting the country's future.

He said PBMy was not merely a contest to elect youth representatives, but also a platform for democratic education, providing first-hand exposure to elections, representation systems, policy debates and leadership responsibilities.

“Through this experience, I hope young people will understand that democracy is not just about winning elections, but also requires maturity, integrity, mutual respect and a willingness to accept differing views,” he said.

Johari stressed that PBMy should remain a non-partisan platform for democratic education, free from the influence of mainstream political parties and open to youths from diverse backgrounds.

He expressed hope that the initiative would nurture a future generation of leaders who were knowledgeable, principled and mindful of their responsibilities to society and the nation.

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