KUCHING: The appointment of a youth as a senator in the Dewan Negara will go a long way to win the hearts of youths, said Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) political analyst Associate Professor Dr Lee Kuok Tiung.
He said the new political offer was an inclusive move that could meet the demands of all generations.
Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob had earlier announced that a youth would be appointed as a senator in the Dewan Negara.
He said the participation of youths in the Dewan Negara will further strengthen the voice of the younger generation in the country, thus further developing the said group.
“It would be gratifying if there were representatives from among the youths in the Dewan Negara,” said Lee in response.
“It seems more inclusive even though it is just a ‘popular step’ in an effort to win the hearts of the youths in preparation for the 15th General Election (GE-15).”
To win the hearts of new young voters between the ages of 18 and 20, he said, there is a need for a special strategy.
He said it should be in line with their aspirations and position as upper secondary school, college, university, vocational students or those who have long since left school.
At the same time, Lee pointed out that the selected candidates should not be too young nor naive.
“If a young senator is elected and is not able to contribute anything to youth development affairs, in the end, the individual who is appointed is only deemed as ‘glamorous’ because he was named a Senator but is not able to contribute anything,” he said.
Lee added that the selected individual should also not be from any political party because the motive and purpose of the appointment will stray from the original purpose.
“In appreciating the aspirations of the youth to represent the voice of the youth, the government should also seriously consider certain posts in the ministry being handed over to the youth.
“For example, the post of Minister of Youth and Sports … there is no representation from youths in the cabinet,” he added.
Earlier, Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced that a youth would be appointed as a senator in the Dewan Negara.
He said, the participation of youths in the Dewan Negara will further strengthen the voice of the younger generation in the country, thus further developing the said group.
