Invest in people because the dividends are incredible.
― linkedin.com
If you are reading this, today marks the beginning of a three-day mega event celebrating the inauguration of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu’s (PBB) new wing in Sibu.
This marks the culmination and realisation of the party leadership’s vision to inject youthful vigour into PBB.
The new wing will be known as Pergerakan Belia, comprising members aged between 18 to 28 years old. This wing slots perfectly under the existing Youth wing (Pemuda) and the Women’s wing.
Its creation was made possible through an amendment to the party’s constitution in the last triennial general meeting (TGM).
The whole idea for the new wing is to ensure youth participation in politics and governance, allowing them to provide their input and suggestions in policy and decision-making.
This is also to train new leaders who can be moulded by the party structure, instilling them with the values, ethos and struggles of PBB.
While bringing youths into the fold is not entirely a new concept, given that various political parties in Malaya have done so in their ways, in the Sarawak context, this is groundbreaking.
This sends a message to the community and Sarawakians that PBB is open to those who want to participate and involve themselves, and open to having policy discussions and discourse.
For an extended period, political factions in Sarawak have evaded public scrutiny, potentially being perceived as akin to a clandestine organization with an aura of exclusivity.
PBB, while being at the forefront of politics and in the media, has been a tight-knit group for good reasons. Stability is what the party represents and this winning formula is achieved by keeping everyone at arm’s length.
Meaning, that everyone knows everybody and friction, if any, can be resolved amicably and in private given their relationships.
Having roots in rural areas is also its underlying strength through empowering local communities, and ensuring representation wherever needed.
By that same token, representation in terms of age group by the youths has become pertinent given the changes in the nation and world political landscape.
There seems to be an emerging pattern of world leaders and national leaders coming from the new generation. This generational change has provided the advantage of understanding political shifts and new narratives.
Today’s problems are best understood by the new generation through their perspective and exposure. They are the first to know about shifting trends and emerging issues.
Addressing these challenges requires a specific level of expertise and composure typically possessed by experienced leaders. However, it is crucial to also seek input from younger individuals on strategies to prevent communication errors.
In the PBB and Sarawak context, input from youths and understanding of the public perception, expectation and aspiration is crucial.
To pivot the new economy narrative, and for it to be accepted by all, the challenges of today must be understood and acknowledged.
While there is nothing wrong with being plain speaking and telling things as it is from the executive level, being tone-deaf is often a danger.
I lost count of how many ministers and politicians in Malaya shot themselves in the foot from their uninspiring announcements, comments and responses on hot-button issues.
Probably it was what their officers advised them to say, but being leaders, sometimes, a sense of reflection and the ability to read the audience is needed.
The pressure is on for them not to be the butt of jokes on social media. This understanding of how communication works online is an asset of the youth.
In politics, messaging is everything and with youth participation and involvement, it sends the right message.
And with them in the fray and as part of the arsenal, the messaging of the government and party in terms of policy and political positions can be tasked to the youths.
Let them promote the initiatives of the GPS government and work on engaging the community to obtain feedback and suggestions as part of their learning process.
In the long term, they ought to have responsibilities and the ability to bring the voices of the people to the government and party leadership.
This makes their participation meaningful and allows them to grow in political knowledge and governance.
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of New Sarawak Tribune.
