KOTA SAMARAHAN: The youth are the successors of the national development agenda, said Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information, and UKAS) Datuk Abdullah Saidol.
He expressed concern that many young people today show little interest in politics and avoid keeping up with current political issues.
However, he emphasised that this group of people will determine the future of the country, asserting that leaders must be responsible, visionary, and have integrity.
“We want leaders who are responsible and understand the people’s needs. Integrity is important.
“If they are part of the government and become leaders, I believe our country will be more peaceful, easier to manage, and unnecessary politics can be avoided.
“Especially in Sarawak, with its vast territory there are still many rural areas that need development. We have to work. We don’t talk too much,” he said.
He told reporters this after officiating at the UKAS Outreach Programme: Empowering UiTM Sarawak students at Dewan Jubli, UiTM Kota Samarahan Campus today.
Speaking about the programme, Abdullah said it was the first of its kind at the campus, aiming to engage participants effectively.
Furthermore, he said the programme was an approach to show the public that the state government is approachable.
“We want to be approachable, open to any inputs, and constructive criticism. This is definitely very important in the effort to structure policies and specific agendas, especially involving youth and university students,” he added.
During the programme, seven relevant agencies were also involved in engaging the university students, namely Social Security Organisation (SOCSO), Election Commission (EC), National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN), Economic Planning Unit (EPU), Sarawak Foundation, UKAS and TVS.
As such, Abdullah said the programme was crucial in sharing what would be implemented by the state government.
“At the same time, we meet with students and see their views on what we are doing at the government level,” he said.
