KUALA LUMPUR: As "Gen Z" protests wreaked havoc in several countries, including Nepal, Timor Leste and Indonesia in recent weeks, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it is important to ensure that the voices of the youths are always heard by those in power.
Anwar also said it is important to ensure that the government listens to the concerns of the youth to avoid the perception that it only looks after the elites in the country.
"In these turbulent times, we must consider the role of the youths, their concerns, job security and among others.
"I must say, this is not just what Malaysia is doing this year, but we have been doing it for the past few years and I believe we will continue doing this in the future," said Anwar during his opening remarks at the Asean Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) at WTCKL on Thursday (Sept 18).
At the same time, Anwar said Asean has become a good platform for women and youth representatives to express their views on current issues.
"I think not many countries do this. In every Asean leadership function, we have to sit down and listen to the deliberation of the youth.
"The leaders virtually shut up and listened to the expression of the young," said Anwar.
Anwar also quipped that it was fortunate that Malaysian youths now are more "tame" compared to his younger days as a political activist.
"Fortunately, our youth is more moderate compared to when I was young. So, they (modern youths) do express politely.
"The issues raised are on governance, excesses and corruption, and economic development that should not marginalised minorities or people in the rural heartlands," said Anwar.
On Sept 17, escalating protests by youths in Timor Leste forced its government to scrap lifetime pensions.
This was after dropping a plan to buy official cars for its MPs just a day before.
In Nepal, protests erupted recently after its government banned social media.
It saw the Nepalese government collapsing in just 48 hours after the protest began.
As of this week, 72 people have been confirmed killed.
On Aug 25, protests in Indonesia began after a proposed hike on lawmakers' salary and benefits.
The protests in the three countries have been termed as "Gen Z" protests as it is predominantly organised by students and youths.
The protests in Indonesia, though simmered down earlier this month, are still ongoing, with thousands of ride-hailing drivers there gathering in front of Indonesia’s Parliament on Sept 17.
They were demanding for better rights.
Meanwhile, Anwar also said that it was in the same spirit that Malaysia is mediating the ongoing Thailand-Cambodia border clashes.
"After the initial meeting, I contacted all of them, which means Asean and political leaders have been working together based on trust.
"I hope the same spirit will continue when we pass on the baton to other leaders," said Anwar.
On July 28, Thailand and Cambodia reached an agreement to implement an unconditional ceasefire following a special meeting in Putrajaya hosted by Anwar.
