KUALA LUMPUR – Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah has called on members of the Perak assembly to ensure that they actively involve youth in nation-building by entrusting them with responsibilities at a policy or decision-making level.
The Perak ruler stressed that as important national assets, it is critical for youth to be fostered, guided, educated, and given trust to help build a nation-state that is close-knit, united, progressive, and prosperous.
“Groundbreaking steps undertaken by the Perak Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council to directly involve the young to participate in the council, at various levels in the Baitulmal and mosque committees, should be expanded to various state committees and local authorities, in statutory bodies, institutions, and foundations,” said the sultan.
He said this in his address at the opening of the first meeting of the fifth term of the 14th Perak assembly at Dewan Negeri, Bangunan Perak Darul Ridzuan here.
Recently, with Istana Iskandariah’s consent, the Perak Islamic Religious Council made the unprecedented move of appointing two youths below the age of 25 years into the council – which traditionally appoints older individuals into the body.
At the state level, they have also sent circulars to all mosques and suraus under their purview to appoint at least three committee members under the age of 35.
The ruler then pointed out that youth involvement can definitely bring about more dynamism within any organisation and inject new ideas and energy.
“Active youth involvement will revitalise jaded policies, refresh decrepit structures, and inject young blood into ageing souls.
“The approach taken by the state to include the young by giving them a platform to broach ideas and vocalise their thoughts is a wise and constructive move.
“Issues that are objective and ideas that are constructive, voiced at the Youth Assembly Sitting, should be given appropriate attention,” said Sultan Nazrin. – The Vibes, March 28, 2022
