WITH the inclusion of youths in political parties as well having a voice in policy making, it is high time that a thorough blueprint is created to fully realise the youth’s potential.
This was the view of youth activists polled by New Sarawak Tribune, who stressed that more can be done to develop youths in Sarawak.
They also stressed that education is paramount to train the newer generations as future leaders as well as resolve bread and butter issues such as the lack of employment opportunities of late.
Tellian assemblyman Royston Valentine said issues pertaining education and employment opportunities are intertwined and must be resolved.
“With education, it guarantees good jobs. Opportunities in education needs to be widened for school leavers”.
He said the field of technical and vocational education needs to be opened up for groups of youths are less academically inclined as they are the ones who are left out.
“Short term courses are also crucial as it will give those left out with opportunities to compete in the job market in view of the current demand for professional and semi-professional workforce”.
Royston was among the new faces introduced by Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) in the last state election. His rise in the party is viewed by many as a success story of youth being elected as people’s representative.
He said maturity is a key factor for electorates in assessing their candidates, adding that age is immaterial.
“What is important is that the candidate must not only be winnable but also capable and is supported by the people at the grassroot level.
“The credibility of an elected representative will be deciding factor of the people’s support,” he said.
Royston viewed that the new wing set up by PBB will be a platform to polish young leaders and expose them to multiple facets in leadership especially at the grassroot level.
“This platform not only for youths in urban areas, but also for rural youths where both have their own skills and abilities which they can contribute to the community”.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Volunteers secretary general Khairul Anwar Sazali said a blueprint is needed to develop youths in the state.
“The government, the agencies, non-government organisations (NGOs) and statutory bodies need to work in tandem with each other and not work in isolation.
“We must have a youth development blueprint that can be used as a reference and implemented by all in a holistic manner,” he said.
On the trend of youth involvement in Sarawak politics, Khairul said many youths still opt to be excluded.
“There are individuals and groups of youths who are politically aware and has displayed their interest in politics, but still a huge number of youths in Sarawak are keeping it to themselves,” he said.
Asked on whether volunteerism is a good avenue to attract youth participation in politics, he said activities done must according to the latest trend.
“It (volunteerism activities) has to be implemented with a fresh approach with the aim of improving the people’s skills and network,” he said.
GIVE VOICE TO THE YOUTH
Ultimately, it is the youths who are responsible to chart their own direction provided they are given ample room by the government and political parties to get their voices heard views Youlead Sarawak secretary general Nur Aisyah Eiryeeza Sabri.
“The youths must be given the space and platform for them to be directly involved in policy making pertaining to their future,” she said.
She said this was crucial given the issues affecting youths nationwide such as lack of willingness to pursue tertiary education and alternatively, work in jobs in the gig economy.
“According to the Department of Statistics (DOSM), 72 per cent of SPM leavers refuse to pursue tertiary education. This is worrying as the youth today will be tomorrow’s leaders.
“If this continues, it would be difficult for the nation to have future leaders with high education qualifications,” the activist said.
Nur Aisyah said the government must look at providing incentives to those pursuing tertiary education and ensure employment opportunities.
“This is particularly for graduates of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as well as diploma and degree holders”.
Meanwhile, for fellow youth activist Asri Hazwan Harun, he said resolving the lack of participation among youths has been on the table for lawmakers.
He said the root problem to this was due to the inequality in terms of education and opportunities given to the youth.
“This has created a great disparity in terms of political opinions among youths in urban and rural areas,” he said.
At the same time, he suggested that a mechanism be set up in the mould of a fellowship programme to increase political awareness and involvement of the youths.
“The national level Felo Perdana and Felo Korporat programme has been a great success,” he said, adding that representative of various background can be sent to join the programme to give them exposure.
Meanwhile on the youth sentiments state-wide, Asri who is Free of Care Sarawak (FOCARES) Kuching chairperson said transparency is a concern for youths.
He said the limited exposure and awareness to politics among youths has caused the group to be unable to choose a representative that will meet their needs.
“Youths would ask their family members on who to vote (during elections). The current education system did not resolve this as there is little separation to politics in Sarawak and in Malaya”.
Asri said knowledge in politics among Sarawak youth was hampered by the national curriculum making them less politically inclined.
For Aisyah, she said youths in her area are positive in terms of their reception towards government policies.
She said the youth believed that the government has addressed issues pertaining to the direction of youths in terms employment and education opportunities.
“However, government policies must be in line with the current trend and will need specific approaches such as ensuring the preparedness of youths before entering the working sector.
“The priority now in the market is for skills and knowledge rather than just mere qualifications”.
YOUTH MUST KNOW THEIR RIGHTS
Just as many are keen to exercise their democratic rights come the upcoming general election, education on their rights is similarly important.
Members of the public aged below 30 polled by New Sarawak Tribune suggested that some levels of exposure are needed to create awareness among first time voters.
This include understanding the processes of an election and the type of governmental structure that the country practises – in Malaysia’s case, is the parliamentary democracy with constitutional monarchy.
27-year-old Systems Engineer Malcolm Mathaus Moses opined that youths must understand that their voices carry weight.
“Their voices and votes have gravity to determine the future,” he said adding that youths must advocate change where there is a need to do so.
“Settling for something – not changing what needs to be changed can do more harm than good,” he said.
He said youths should play a bigger role in governance of both nation and state, adding that similar trend has been adopted by foreign countries.
As to policies that empower youths, Mathaus said opportunities must be given for youth to voice their opinions and seek solutions regarding the welfare of the nation and its people.
Similarly, Awang Mohamed Hazim said education on democratic rights is paramount. He said important events affecting the world which was triggered by voting must be shared.
“Be it good or bad, we can look at Brexit, the 2020 United States Presidential Election and our own 2018 General Election. These are some examples of what happens when people vote or do not vote.
“This needs to be done slowly and consistently so the information would spread and will continue to circulate,” he said.
The 27-year-old engineer said with youths being represented in the government and political parties, it would inject fresh impetus into the administration.
“By having more youth it’ll allow the parties and government to go with the times allowing fresh blood to revitalise the system with their opinions, ideas and goals.
“Give them a platform to show their talent but make sure the ones that are appointed to make decisions are qualified and based on merit”.
For communications officer Tania Lam, she viewed information must be shared on social media to educate young voters as the target group are on social media most of the time.
“I think it would be key to deliver the information in a light and easy-to-digest format. This could be in the form of infographics that are fun and engaging to catch their attention.
“Another way could be to hold information sessions even at the school level to educate the public from a young age. I believe teachers and parents also must play an important role in introducing such topics from a young age,” she said.
29-year-old Lam said it is crucial that youths are represented in government and political parties to inspire meaningful change for the people.
“I believe that improving youth representation in the field of politics is vital in empowering the youth. Additionally, getting involved in politics from a young age is useful in building confidence and skills in leadership, decision-making, problem-solving, and so on.
She suggested that political parties introduce policies where a certain percentage of youths make up the entire membership of the party.
Meanwhile, Annalizie Bekon Jenet said education on democratic norms and processes is best done through constant engagement with the community.
“Realising young people’s rights to engage in, and be included in democratic procedures and activities is also critical to achieving development objectives and refreshing the development agenda,” she said.
She added that youth-led involvement where they have a direct impact on decision-making within their own youth groups are effective and meaningful.
On youth representation, the 27-year-old IT engineer said the group are underrepresented in formal political institutions and public administrations.
“Government-led initiatives must provide room for youth participation – allow them to be involved in the growth of our economy and society,” she said.
For 28-year-old Fatin Rasyidah, she believes that educating youths of their rights must be done tactfully so that the objectives are met.
“Treat them with respect. Accept and support their ideas. Form activities and relate them to everyday situations. Give them a voice,” she said.
She added that youth, being represented in administration and political parties will inspire other youths to rise up and improve themselves.
“Youth promotes positive outcomes among youth. Our civil society is strengthened when youth become informed and thoughtful citizens,” she said.
At the same time, she also suggested for youth to be given the space and trust in making their own decision and for their ability to lead to not be questioned.
