KUCHING: The National Youth Day is significant as it celebrates and highlights the importance of youths as the key to the state’s future, said Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) deputy youth chief Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman
He said more youths should be involved in strengthening the social development of Sarawak and safeguard its rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
“This value of patriotism must be instilled in youths from a young age as we want our shared values, convictions and way of life to be passed down to future generations,” he told New Sarawak Tribune.
Adding on, he pointed out that in terms of youth empowerment, the Sarawak government had taken steps to enhance it.
“This was by lowering the minimum age for voters and those elected as members of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) to 18 years old.
“We were among the first, if not the first state to do lower the age. This reflected the concern of the government towards this group, recognising their ever-increasing role in our democracy and system of government,” he said.
While commenting on youth participation in politics Fazzrudin expressed his joy as there were more youth participating at the state and national levels in contributing their ideas to policy-making.
“This shows that the youths are now mature and fair-minded. It is my fervent hope that Sarawak youths will continue to work together with the government and understand the policies of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“They must recognise that the government has the best interests of the youths at heart through various initiatives implemented throughout the years,” he said.
