PETALING JATA: Umno Youth strongly condemns the actions of the foreign countries accused of spying in Malaysia recently, said its chief Khairy Jamaluddin.
He said no country should take advantage of Malaysia’s diplomacy as well as the spirit of friendship.
“Let no one take advantage of diplomacy as well as the spirit of friendship that we have accorded thus far in the international stage.
“We urge the Home, Defence, Communications and Multimedia, and Foreign Affairs ministries to find out how and why these spying activities have been carried out,” he said in his policy speech at the Umno Youth general assembly here Wednesday.
Khairy said the Federal Government should also know whether the country has the capacity to detect such activities at an early stage.
“If needed, the country has to invest in upgrading the detection and monitoring system for foreign surveillance. We cannot simply be nonchalant in matters related to protecting the sovereignty of the nation,” he said.
On another matter, Khairy said the party’s wing urged the government to take action on any cases of malpractice and negligence in handling the country’s assets and expenditure.
“Every year we hear of the Auditor-General’s Report exposing malpractices and negligence in handling the country’s assets and expenditure.
“We need to take action if there is any clear wrongdoing, and not simply wait until the rakyat begin to question,” he said.
He added that, Umno Youth wanted an audit process aimed at monitoring and improving to be implemented immediately.
“This is to ensure that respective ministries are notified of any leakages immediately while the audit is ongoing, and not only after the whole process is over,” he said.
Khairy also raised the issue of housing as a basic problem faced by youths today despite welcoming the Government’s move to provide transit homes for newlyweds.
“The Government must increase the number of these transit homes because the 632 units which will be launched next year is just not enough to cope with the overwhelming demand.
“For this purpose, Umno Youth asks that the Government increases the allocation given to the Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Ministry as well as the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to build more affordable housing for the younger generation,” he said.
He also raised the need for the Government to reexamine the existing welfare system.
“If need be, we should revamp the present mechanism and increase monthly allocations so that it truly helps those who are in need,” he said.
Khairy said the wing is also pushing for an increased emphasis on vocational and skills training for young people.
“Skills training does not only offer job opportunities, but it can change the future of those of our younger generation.
“Lest we forget, not all of our youths possess the desire to further their studies to a higher level academically. An alternative route must be mapped out for those who cannot make it to our ivory towers,” he said.
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