KUCHING: With the establishment of new wings catering to the younger generation, it is hoped that there would be more involvement of the Undi18 generation in civic engagement such as service to the community in the areas of health, education, and charity.
In saying this, Sarawak Patriots Association (SPA) secretary David Hii Chin Loung stressed that in terms of political engagement, youth issues needed to be voiced.
“Their issues may have gone unheard before, but with the establishment of these two new wings by Sarawak’s oldest political party, action may finally be taken,” he said on Thursday (Jan 13).
He said this when commenting on Sarawak United People’s Party’s (SUPP) plan to amend its constitution to set up two new wings to cater for the Undi18 generation.
Earlier, Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) president Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg had also revealed that PBB would establish a new wing for members aged 18 to 28 years, with this to be realised after an amendment to PBB’s constitution is passed in the party’s upcoming triennial general meeting in June.
“I hope that there will be more youth participation and involvement in politics. I believe that young people in the age group of 18 to 28 years may have found it difficult to participate before and often find themselves being side-lined from active participation and decision-making.
“Some might have even struggled to gain the respect of senior politicians and/or public officials as there may have been assumptions that they lack the experience and skills to engage in political activity,” said Hii.
On Wednesday (Jan 12), SUPP secretary-general Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew said a new SUPP Youth Wing and a Puteri Wing would allow Sarawakian youths aged 18 to 28 years to engage in the political arena and gain exposure to meaningful participation in decision-making.
