Youth dewan plan to be tabled

THE plan for the proposed Youth Parliament will be tabled at the Dewan Rakyat today, said Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek.

He will produce details of the plan based on 30 countries with Youth parliaments.

“We will decide which one will be the best option for us,” he told Datuk Mohamad Aziz (BN–Seri Gading) during question time.

Shabery disagreed with certain quarters who suggested that ministers should appoint the members in the Youth Parliament.

“It should be left to the youths to decide. We want them to be elected democratically,” he said.

He suggested that the voting process for the Youth Parliament could be done via the Internet with campaigning done through new media.

“Although some have proposed that real election should be carried out for the youths, it would be too expensive,” he added.

Shabery said the age limit for youth representatives would also be decided, and would probably be lower than 40.

“The United Nations has defined youths as those falling between the ages of 15 and 25. We may consider that,” he added.

Shabery said the formation of the Youth Parliament would help them understand the aspirations, views and ideas of the younger generation and help mould the next generation of leaders.

“Barack Obama was elected (US) president at the age of 47 while Bill Clinton was inaugurated at the age of 46.

“We want to have a batch of younger leaders in Malaysia. This Youth Parliament will help train youths to debate and discuss in a professional manner,” he added.

Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang (PAS–Marang) asked Shabery to state the actual motive of the One Million Youth Gathering held in May and the cost involved.

The minister said the gathering provided a platform for the younger generation to show their talent, creativity and innovation through more than 200 programmes.

“The event also provided opportunities for them to get jobs and chances to join entrepreneurship schemes offered by government agencies,” he added.

Shabery said RM1.5mil was allocated for the gathering but the overall cost of RM27mil was obtained through sponsors from the private sector.

::a good move from government, but does our youth nowadays prepare to such a big role and responsible?

actually, do we have a good young leader to shout out our views?

observing our youth nowadays, especially MALAYS..i'm afraid !!but, i'v tried to think positively..yeah,,maybe, there are..lets pray for it.::