Communications and Multimedia Minister Salleh Said Keruak believed that youths, who now make up half the voting population will back BN in the upcoming general election.

His assessment was based on trends observed during the Kuala Kangsar and Sungai Besar by-elections last year, which saw BN securing both seats with increased majorities (see chart below).

"The major factor in the victory of both candidates were young voters who voted in streams 3 to 5," said Salleh.

In Malaysia, voting boxes are usually divided into "saluran (streams)", in which the stream 1 is usually reserved for the older voters. This system does not apply in areas with a smaller number of voters.

Salleh said that data showed that there was a slight swing towards BN among young voters in both seats.

He attributed this trend to an increase in confidence in BN among youths because the coalition is united while implementing policies which looked after the people's welfare and public order.

In contrast, opposition parties were not united and would only cooperate for power, he said.

He said that the youths also opposed opposition parties because the latter has caused ethnic ties to fray and could only make empty promises.

"Youths are also getting bored with issues raised by our opponents because (the issues are) not relevant compared to issues raised by BN.

"BN's focus is the people's welfare, development, and national security.

"These factors encourage young voters to remain with BN. They are confident that the nation is in good hands if BN continues to rule," he said.

The Sungai Besar and Kuala Kangsar by-elections saw multi-cornered contests following the break-up of Pakatan Rakyat.

In both contests, BN faced off against PAS and Amanah.