KUALA LUMPUR: The Dewan Rakyat must be an institution that is respected, trusted by the people and serves as the best ‘school’ of democracy for future generations, especially ahead of the sitting of the Youth Parliament on Sept 11, says Tan Sri Johari Abdul.
The Dewan Rakyat Speaker said Parliament is not merely a place for Members of Parliament (MPs) to debate, but also the nation’s highest legislative institution that serves as a reference point for society and the younger generation.
He said young leaders participating in the Youth Parliament need role models through dignified, orderly and integrity-driven Dewan Rakyat proceedings, while being exposed to a culture of mature, fact-based debates centred on the people’s interests.
"Therefore, my message to all MPs is simple: we must set a good example in the Dewan Rakyat. Today, through social media and live broadcasts, every speech and action in the Dewan Rakyat can be seen by the public.
"These Malaysian Youth Parliament members will become the nation’s future leaders and they are observing how democracy is practised in the Dewan Rakyat. I hope all MPs will preserve the dignity of the House by embracing a culture of debate that is factual, courteous and solution-oriented,” he said.
The Youth Parliament is modelled after the Dewan Rakyat, comprising 222 seats representing parliamentary constituencies nationwide, with parties formed within the platform based on youth organisations registered with Parliament Malaysia.
To date, more than 10 mock parties have been established within the Youth Parliament.
Elaborating further, Johari, who is also the patron of the Youth Parliament programme, said Parliament Malaysia is currently actively conducting outreach programmes with youths nationwide, targeting 300,000 youths aged between 18 and 30 to register ahead of the Youth Parliament Election scheduled for August this year.
Key dates include nomination day on July 8, followed by the announcement of official candidates on July 11.
"The campaign period has been set at 27 days from July 12 to Aug 7 nationwide, while the voting process will be conducted online through the e-PBMy system. Voting will be open for 24 hours from 10am on Aug 8 until 10am on Aug 9,” he said.
Meanwhile, Johari said the opening ceremony of the Youth Assembly Sitting and the appointment of Youth Assembly Members, scheduled to take place on Sept 11, will mark the beginning of a new parliamentary term for the Malaysian Youth Parliament.
He added that sittings will be held three times a year, each lasting two days, while Youth Parliament members will serve a two-year term.
The Malaysian Youth Parliament was introduced in 2015 under the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS). After eight years, the government agreed in October 2023 for the Malaysian Youth Parliament to be fully managed and implemented by Parliament Malaysia.
Further information and registration can be obtained via the official portal at https://pbmy.parlimen.gov.my/my/. – Bernama
