KUCHING: The Sarawak government is very committed to seeing youth organisations such as the scout movement playing their roles in the character development of the youths.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the government considers youths as the future leaders who will determine the direction of the country.
“This is a role that has to be developed among the youths so that by the time they have reached that level, they will be able to continue the legacy created by the present leadership in seeing the country prosper in the right direction.
“This is also very important as you notice that our youths now a days are being subjected to various negative influence from within the country or from outside,” he said.
He said this in his text speech read out by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian during the Scout Gala Dinner 2024 at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) last night (March 6).
Abang Johari said the effort by the government by itself towards the development of the youths also need support.
“And we are very lucky to note that the scout movement has been able to set its clear programmes and activities to train the youths in so many fields to that direction so that its members will become more versatile or agile in their action,” he added.
He also said the government acknowledges the scout movement with a history of 111 years in Sarawak that has been able to go in syn with the ideals of the government in youth development.
“We are proud that the youths in Sarawak are receptive to the government development programmes so far.
“In view of the importance of the development of various fields for the youths, the Sarawak government even now has placed the portfolio of entrepreneur development together with the youth and sports, thus we have the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development.
“Further to that the government has even looked into the possibility of providing free tertiary education for the youths in due course. This would be a wise move to prepare the youths for bigger roles in future,” he said.
Also present were president of Sarawak Scout Council Tan Sri Datuk William Mawan Ikom and Chief Scout of Malaysia Major General Professor Datuk Dr Mohd Zin Bidin.
CAPTIONS:
KCH-premier scout-0703-al-1: Dr Sim (2nd right) presents the Sarawak Scouting 111 years commemorative medal to Mohd Zin () while Mawan (left) and others look on.
KCH-premier scout-0703-al-2: Dr Sim (centre) receives a token of appreciation from Mawan (left) while others look on.
