Generational Divide: Age in Politics Under Scrutiny as Biden Faces Calls to Exit 2024 Race

In the political arena, age has become a pressing concern as members of the United States Congress, Hollywood actors, and affluent benefactors rally behind a singular belief: President Joe Biden should withdraw from the presidential race for 2024.

Polling indicates that a significant number of American voters harbor apprehensions regarding Biden’s advancing age and his overall performance in office. Competing against him is Donald Trump, who, at the age of 78, remains only slightly younger and recently survived an assassination attempt.

In stark contrast, age does not appear to be a hindrance in Malaysian politics, a region where seasoned leaders often gain traction based on popular support, irrespective of their years. Notably, Mahathir, who at the age of 92 became the country’s seventh prime minister in 2018, and current Prime Minister Anwar, who took office at 76 in 2022, exemplify this phenomenon.

Malaysian citizens who shared their perspectives with Al Jazeera expressed that the policies enacted by Mahathir and Anwar held greater significance than their ages during electoral cycles. A 35-year-old business executive, Layla Subra, reflected on her voting considerations about Mahathir, noting, «I did consider their age, Mahathir in particular, given he was already in his 90s by that point. But both appeared sharp and focused despite their years, which didn’t have a substantial impact on my decision at the polls.»

In 2018, Mahathir, who had previously served as prime minister for over two decades (1981-2003), entered the Guinness World Records as the oldest individual to assume the role when he was re-elected at the age of 92 years and 141 days.

Malaysia‘s official retirement age is set at 60, in a nation of 34 million, where the average age is slightly over 30. However, voters rarely view age as a disqualifying factor, as they have long been accustomed to older lawmakers. Similarly, in China, age presents no barriers in political leadership roles.

The Chinese president, who is currently 71, recently secured his third consecutive five-year term, while Deng Xiaoping, at 87, undertook a renowned tour in 1992 promoting economic reforms following the Tiananmen Square protests.

Long-term incumbency is not an unusual phenomenon in parliamentary systems such as Malaysia’s. Fong Kui Lun, the oldest member of parliament at 77, has held his seat since 1999, further illustrating that while there may be calls for younger representation, voters prioritize policies over ages.

Shaun Ho, a 40-year-old office manager, stated, “My priority would be for whomever has the better plan, not necessarily age. An older leader with superior plans would be preferable to a younger leader who maintains the status quo.”

During the build-up to the 2018 elections, Mahathir campaigned vigorously on an anti-corruption narrative against his former associate Najib Razak, who subsequently was charged and convicted for misappropriating funds from the 1MDB scandal, receiving a 12-year sentence that was later reduced.

In Malaysia, citizens do not directly elect their prime ministers; instead, they cast ballots for local representatives based on party affiliation. As businessman Nicholas Chin, 40, noted, “Who the member of parliament actually is may not matter much since we primarily vote based on party policies.”

Since gaining independence from British colonial rule in 1957, Malaysia has witnessed ten prime ministers, all of whom shared common backgrounds—typically male, of Islamic faith, and often affiliated with the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), which once dominated the political landscape.

Despite their ages, both Mahathir, now 99, and Anwar, 76, have seemingly maintained considerable physical and mental vigor. Mahathir, a trained medical doctor who embarked on a political career in the late 1950s, once revealed that he stays active through the use of a treadmill and a stationary bike, complemented by a disciplined diet.

Anwar, who has overcome a serious spinal injury and time spent in prison due to politically motivated charges, also recently declared through social media that he received a clean bill of health from his doctors.

Despite facing recent health issues and celebrating his 99th birthday earlier this month, Mahathir continues to contribute thoughts on political matters, although he’s currently receiving medical treatment. He could not be reached by Al Jazeera for comments.

Bridget Welsh, a political expert at the University of Nottingham Malaysia, commented that while a candidate’s age may resonate with some voters, what ultimately matters are competence and track records. «For Mahathir, health was not a key issue, but the focus shifted towards his ideas,” she explained, adding that “age tells merely a portion of the story, while for Joe Biden, it truly is a matter of health.”

As Biden faces increasing pressure from within his Democratic Party to consider stepping aside, particularly following public gaffes, the concern for his re-election remains significant. A recent mishap where Biden mistakenly referred to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as Russian President Vladimir Putin has added to the negative perception surrounding his campaign.

The stark contrast lies in the deeply polarized political landscape of the US, where persona often overshadows policy. Malaysian actor and writer Elza Irdalynna argued that “Biden and Trump are both physically and mentally unfit,” making it difficult for voters to select based on substance rather than image.

Amidst a climate where many proclaim their vote holds little value or threaten to leave the country if their candidate loses, the voices of optimism remain faint. Lew Goldstein, a veteran political figure and Democratic delegate, expressed his relief upon learning of Biden’s decision to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for candidate succession.

Goldstein, now 81 and a former educator, reminisced about his impactful teaching journey and the hope he instilled in students about the American democratic process. Now, he aspires for a future where younger individuals can successfully advocate for their rights and inclusivity.

Despite fears regarding a potential return of Donald Trump to the presidency, Goldstein remains optimistic about the upcoming Democratic convention, hoping for a smooth selection process for Harris. His insistence on the potential of up-and-coming leaders reflects a shift in how voters are beginning to perceive competence, irrespective of age in political offices.