KUALA LUMPUR: Youths must be more politically proactive in determining the country’s way forward apart from just exercising their democratic right to vote, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
The MCA president said observing and monitoring current developments were also critical towards creating a better Malaysia for all.
“We must adopt this mindset - if we are not satisfied with the current situation, how can we make it better?
“We have the responsibility of monitoring current happenings and doing what is necessary,” he said in his opening address at the Malaysian Chinese Youth Summit held at Wisma MCA on Saturday (Jan 10).
In his speech, the Ayer Hitam MP noted that Malaysia’s strength lies in its diversity, stressing the need to continuously preserve Malaysian Chinese culture.
This diversity, he said, also increases the nation’s competitiveness on the global stage.
“Our uniqueness cannot be taken for granted. It is absolutely right for us to defend our own culture. If there was only one culture as the foundation, what would Malaysia look like today?” he said.
Dr Wee also noted that the efforts of previous generations to preserve Malaysian Chinese culture must never be overlooked.
“Our forefathers were persistent in ensuring our culture lived on and we must recognise this,” he said.
Dr Wee also said Asean countries are increasingly under the spotlight of the global community due to it being among the fastest developing regions.
He also highlighted how more than half of Asean’s citizens comprise those aged under 40.
“International trade here will also continue growing in tandem with the growing population here. As we are in such a fortunate position, we must work together towards achieving improvements,” he said.
He also urged the youth to explore better opportunities especially amidst the country’s roadmap - with many stakeholders pointing towards the National Semiconductor Strategy among others.
“The youth must cope with the rapid pace of development and technology. Without this, we will be left behind,” he said.
Dr Wee also stressed the importance for Malaysia to retain its talents.
“Malaysia has the potential and our markets are picking up as well,” he said.
