GEORGE TOWN – Some 38 neophyte politicians finally got the opportunity to show off their debate chops at the Penang assembly since starting their training in April.
The Penang Youth Assembly, which was launched today, differs from those held previously as it follows the format of the legislative house – from oral questions, debate sessions and the winding-up sessions that will be chaired by state speaker Datuk Law Choo Kiang.
Members of the Youth Assembly will be allowed to refer to Penang excos to discuss current issues and how they are raised at the house.
Penang Youth and Sports exco Soon Lip Chee said this is part of the state’s efforts to nurture youth involvement in politics and as a complementary component to ensure political savviness.
“Although formal education system plays an important role in nurturing political maturity among the youth, there needs to be socialisation in mainstream society. It works as a complementary component to build more politically aware individuals for the next generation.
“I hope that through this programme, there will be an increase in youth participation in the decision-making process at the state level. We also want to get youth’s perception of Penang and the country as a whole in political, social and economic affairs,” he said during the launch here today.
Penang Youth Development Corporation (PYDC) general manager Gwee Sau Ling, meanwhile, said this will prove to be a valuable opportunity for the participants to better understand the functions and operations, and the policies of the state government.
She said that this platform serves as a series of training and democratisation aimed to emphasise the value of civic awareness, democracy, and citizenship among the youth.
“It will also strengthen leadership values among Penang youth, in line with the vision and mission of PYDC, which is integrity, marketability and competitiveness to educate, develop and empower youth towards a holistic development.”
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who also attended the launch, said politics is a long journey, and unless they have the tenacity to see it through, not everyone has the opportunity to acquire a long-standing political career.
“I believe one should use whatever time they have in this field to do the best they can in their term because nobody knows what will happen in the next term.
“We need to keep our promises and value the mandate given by the people.
“We currently have a Women and Youth Assembly, and I hope the alumni will have the opportunity to be part of the state assembly or as MPs.”
The Youth Assembly is an annual programme organised by PYDC since 2015 which consists of a series of democratic education training and workshops to instil civic awareness, democracy, and citizenship among youth.
The Young Democrats Workshop, which stands as a part of the Youth Assembly programme, is conducted over three days to build an understanding of volunteerism and the importance of being actively involved in the democratic process. – The Vibes, October 30, 2021
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