For most Malay youths, Malaysia’s democracy today is nothing more than a power game among political elites, far removed from the realities of people’s lives.

This was among the key findings of the Iman Research report titled “Orang Kita: Politics of Recognition and Disappointment”, which revealed how frustration and cynicism towards politics have deepened since the 15th general election.

Respondents interviewed claimed that both the government and the opposition...