KOTA SAMARAHAN: The federal government aspires to produce thousands of high-calibre athletes like Sarawak’s muay thai athlete, Johan Ghazali, who has brought international recognition to the country.
Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Dr Johari Abdul said future leaders must be shaped through training and dedication as leadership was not an innate quality.
“If Sarawak can produce an athlete as outstanding as Jojo (Johan Ghazali), I am confident we can nurture thousands of young leaders like him, starting next year.
“Imagine if we could produce thousands of charismatic individuals like him.
“We know that leaders are not born naturally but are moulded through training, knowledge, courage and wisdom,” he said.
He said this during the “Bicara Ketatanegaraan: Membangun Masa Hadapan” Lecture at Jubliee Hall, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Samarahan Campus here today.
Johari added that as a step to strengthen the leadership talents of the younger generation, the government had reintroduced the National Service Training Programme (PLKN) a 45-day training programme for 17-year-olds starting next year.
He explained that the programme aimed to train them both physically and mentally to become disciplined, courageous and capable future leaders.
“The nation’s great responsibilities lie in the hands of the youth.
“We can have plans, money, and assets, but without their support, we will face challenges,” he added.
