The Role of Political Knowledge and Civic Education in Motivating Student Participation in Elections: The Malaysian Case

Abstract

Political knowledge serves as an indicator in determining the patterns of youth political engagement within democratic processes. The primary youth demographic in this study is among the students in higher education institutions. This study examines how six key social environment components particularly peers, family, social media, institutions, community, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) played the role as the sources of political knowledge. It also investigates how political knowledge acquired from these different social contexts influences student decisions to engage in either conventional such as voting, campaigning or unconventional such as unlawful protests political behaviours to preserved political stability. Using a qualitative textual analysis approach, the study explores how these social components shape student engagement and decision-making. The findings of this study reveal that political knowledge not only promotes greater participation but also acts as a stabilizing force which guiding student toward informed and constructive involvement. In contrast, a lack of political knowledge is often associated with inconsistent or misunderstood behaviour that may undermine democratic stability. This is particularly relevant as the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education (MOE), is currently reviewing and restructuring the Political Literacy Education Program to strengthen civic education and political literacy among student in the post-Undi18 era.Support youth engagement in the post-Undi18 era.

Received: 24 July 2025 / Accepted: 09 October 2025 / Published: 05 November 2025