Ensuring voices of the next generation are clearly heard

Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin signing 'Jalur Gemilang' poster during walkabout at Tampoi @ B5 Johor Street Market, Johor Baru. NUR AISYAH MAZALAN/The Star

JOHOR BARU: The voices of youth will be heard loudly and clearly by the government following the formation of an advisory council comprising entirely of young people.

Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the government has always acknowledged the role of youth associations in developing the group in all stages.

“I had a meeting with the Malaysian Youth Council and discussions with them showed a common understanding between youth leadership and the government in our effort to strengthen youth development.

“I agreed with their suggestions, including forming a youth advisory council that would advise me on matters relating to youth development, ” he said before launching the national level Youth National Day 2020 (Hari Belia Negara) here yesterday.

He also announced that the government would appoint a youth as a senator to make sure the voices of youth would be heard at a higher level within a democratic system.

Among those present at the event were the Prime Minister’s wife Puan Sri Noorainee Abdul Rahman, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong and Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Hasni Mohammad.

Muhyiddin said the unemployment rate among youths decreased after the government opened up economic sectors in stages.

The unemployment rate for youths between the ages of 15 and 30 years until June this year showed a decrease of 9.7% compared to May, which was 10%, he said.

For those between the ages of 15 and 24 years, their unemployment rate until June was at 13% compared to 14.2% in May, Muhyiddin said.

“Alhamdulilah, this is a positive sign that the early efforts taken in the recovering the economy are showing results, ” he added.

In a Facebook posting later, Dr Wee said the youth reflect the future of any country as they play a pivotal role in nation-building and transformation.

“As we always hear, the youth of today are a mirror reflection of a country’s future.

“If the youth of today are great, then the country will also be great in the future.”

He urged Malaysian youth to excel in their respective fields. “You all have an important responsibility, not just to yourself, but to your family and community, being the pillars of the country’s future, ” he said.

The theme of this year’s National Youth Day is “Dekad Ini, Dekad Anda” (This Decade, Your Decade).