KUCHING: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu’s (PBB) decision to include younger people in the political process is likely to inspire its Gabungan Parti Sarawak coalition partners.
It is still early in the day to say if they will do likewise but Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS), for instance, feels it would make sense with the advent of Undi18.
“Undi18 means they will be able to use their constitutional right to vote in the next 15th General Election,” said its Youth chief Datuk Snowdan Lawan.
“They have been given this platform by law,” he added, pointing out that, “now is the time for this segment of society to be given a political platform of their choice in any political party, where they can participate and express their desires.”
PBB president Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg had over the weekend announced that the party would be setting up a new wing for youths aged 18-28.
He said the party constitution would be amended to allow for their participation in politics as it gears for the future.
Snowdan, who is Assistant Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, is inclined to think GPS partners could also embrace this new political platform.
He said each party would have to first determine whether the formation of this new wing is permitted by its constitution, and if not, ratification by way of amendment would be the best option.
“Giving this age group a shared pathway in governing our society in the future is an inclusive method aimed at the benefits of participatory endeavour and the development of our community,” he added.
