Assessing Peers as A Predictor on Youth Political Behaviour in Enhancing Malaysian Political Stability

Abstract

The objective of this study is to examine quantitatively the influence of peers on the political behaviour among youth in strengthening Malaysian political stability. This study applied a data collection method using a set of questionnaire surveys with 524 participants which were purposively chosen among youths in Klang Valley, including Kuala Lumpur, Gombak, Petaling Jaya, Klang, and Hulu Langat. The descriptive analysis was carried out using SPSS software while Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was employed to determine whether the three elements of peers’ influence which are group discussion, peer pressure, and identity development affect the youth’s political behaviour. The result indicates that all peer group discussions, peer pressure, and peer identity development have a positive correlation towards influencing youth political behaviour among youth in Klang Valley. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of how peers influence the youth political behaviour can provide leaders and policymakers with crucial insights for encouraging knowledgeable peer network.