The faces of Malaysia's young voters

Nurin Fatnin Mohd Nakoie, 18, will vote for the first time at the Selangor election on Aug 12. Eager to join the ranks of the electorate, she hopes that the government will be able to boost income levels to match academic qualifications in the workforce.

College student Nataliya Qistina Mohd Ali, 19, believes that Undi 18 voters are mature enough to have their say. Her hope is that the government will review the mismatch between salaries and the rising cost of living, so that the people will not be overly burdened.

Anessa Syauqina Ruzailan, 19, is studying fashion and will vote for the second time at the Selangor state election next month. She hopes that the government will create more job opportunities for the youth.

Afiq Haikal Imran, 20, will vote for the second time at the election in Terengganu. He believes that the young can determine the country's direction and hopes that the government will continue giving opportunities to the young to speak up through the appropriate channels.

Human resources student Dasswin Sivakumar, 20, goes to the polls for the second time in Selangor. He is proud that the youth can have their say in choosing the government and hopes that more can be done to control the price of goods and to allow greater ethnic diversity in the civil service.

University student Seranraaj Manimaran, 20, will vote for the first time in Selangor next month. He hopes for economic recovery given the rising cost of living, and more job opportunities for the youth to stem the flow of migrations overseas.

IT student Low De Wei, 20, will vote for the second time in the Selangor election. He believes that the Undi 18 are able to make informed decisions, given their exposure to political developments on the internet.

Multimedia student Leong Yueh Wah, 20, is also confident in the ability of the Undi 18 group to make the right decisions. He hopes that the government will give equal treatment to all, regardless of race, and bring unity to the country.

Marketing student Wu Ying Thung, 20, will vote for the second time in the Kedah election. She is glad for the opportunity to have her say, and hopes for change in the country to bring about more improvements.

Sarawakian Agnes Rain Renold, 19, is a nursing assistant at a private clinic. She voted for the first time at the 15th state election in Sarawak, and believes that the youth should be given the opportunity to speak. Her hope is that Malaysia will continue to progress with the right leaders at the helm.