Peers Influence on Youth Political Behaviour in Enhancing Malaysian Political Stability

The study examines the relationship between peer influence which includes group discussion, peer pressure, and identity development and the political behaviour of youth in Klang Valley. Using a questionnaire survey conducted among youth in Klang Valley area, including Kuala Lumpur, Gombak, Petaling Jaya, Klang, and Hulu Langat, descriptive analysis is conducted using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), while Partial Least Squares Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) is employed to test the structural relationship proposed in this study. Group discussions about current events, government policies, and political candidates, help youth to understand Malaysian politics better. Consequently, this led to the exertion of peer pressure to conform to particular political behaviour such as participate and organize political demonstrations events for them maintain social acceptance among the peers' group. The direct relationship of the data collection from 525 youths selected purposively revealed that all dimensions-group discussion, peer pressure, and identity development- create individual impacts on peer influence and youth political behaviour. The results are suggested to be useful references for the policymakers to develop initiatives meant to harness peer influence positively to encourage more youth political participation, hence preventing political apathy and reducing the likelihood of political instability in the future. Keywords: Peer influence; Youth; Youth political behaviour; Group discussion; Peer pressure; Identity development.