YOUTHS aspiring to become elected representatives should first join a political party or contest as Independents and seek the people’s mandate, says Penang local government committee chairman Jason H’ng Mooi Lye.
“Do you want to become a YB? The most basic way is to join a political party or stand as an Independent candidate,” he said during the “A Day As A City Councillor” programme.
The initiative was organised by Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and Penang Youth Development Corporation (PYDC).
H’ng, who was a councillor for five years before becoming an assemblyman, said the role enabled him to learn about governance and get close to the people.
He said councillors helped the state government and local authorities formulate policies for the betterment of the state.
On business licences and hawkers, H’ng said enforcement action by the local authorities was often misunderstood and perceived as lacking compassion.
“If illegal hawkers are operating at road junctions, MBPP has to act quickly to ensure the safety of road users.
“But enforcement is not just about taking action.
“We must also look at ways to help unlicensed hawkers by relocating them to safer and more suitable places.
“This will allow them to continue earning a living legally in a more comfortable environment.”
Penang youth, sports and health committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen encouraged the “A Day As A City Councillor” programme participants to ask questions for a deeper understanding of issues involving urban development, cleanliness, public amenities, community well-being and environmental sustainability.
“I hope the experience gained through this programme will spark a deeper interest in leadership, public administration and community development.
“Who knows, there could be future councillors, assemblymen and MPs among us today.”
A total of 40 youths took part in this year’s programme at Penang Town Hall in George Town.
They experienced a mock monthly council meeting, attended sessions with councillors and visited the Batu Maung waste transfer station.
Penang island mayor Datuk A. Rajendran said the activities were aimed at helping youth understand the city council’s operations and challenges.
He said the programme reflected MBPP’s commitment to bringing youths closer to the city’s administration system.
He noted that the encouraging response since the programme was introduced last year showed that young people were keen to understand the role of local government and contribute to community development.
“This year’s programme has been enhanced.
“Participants were given an opportunity to see first-hand how the city is managed and the challenges involved in delivering services to the people,” he added.
Present were MBPP secretary Cheong Chee Hong, PYDC general manager Edry Faizal Eddy Yusof, MBPP councillor and PYDC board member Muhammad Khairul Mohd Ali and MBPP councillor Nicholas Theng Jie Wey.
