KUALA LUMPUR – As Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is set to announce his cabinet soon, many youth across Klang Valley have revealed their wishlist in the hope that the proposed leaders would be able to lead the country towards prosperity.
The Vibes spoke to several youth recently who have suggested a number of MPs who they think are fit for roles in the Anwar-led administration.
ACCA student Janisha Rika opined that the cabinet should exhibit more equality, and hopes to see Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman representing the youth in bringing new changes to the nation.
“The youth can bring change, such as education without bias. I have friends who received excellent results but did not earn a matriculation spot. Education has to be balanced.
“We also do not have an emphasis on sexual health awareness, which could benefit any generation. I understand that it is considered taboo, but it teaches us what to do and vice versa,” said the 19-year-old.
Janisha also hopes for the Home Ministry to be more inclusive by giving minorities opportunities to voice out their concerns.
“When we try to voice out, people tell us to ‘go back to our country’. We do not want to take or replace whatever that’s present, we just want to be heard,” she said.
“I love Malaysia, it is a beautiful country. We’ve just had a lot of hiccups lately,” she added.
Tan Xin Yi, 22, stated that the nation’s leaders should focus on developing the country, instead of doctrinal beliefs.
“I hope the cabinet can be more focused on the nation’s development over racial sentiments,” said the IT intern.
“For education, I’d like to see strategies allowing students to genuinely learn, instead of memorising just for their examinations. I believe this hinders critical thinking,” she added.
Meanwhile, a social science graduate who wished to be known as Liz said she was keen on seeing Segambut MP Hannah Yeoh take on the role of education minister.
“I am fearful of our current system, not because it is wrong in any way, but because it limits personalisation and character building,” she said
“An American teaching system allows students to find their niche early on. The presence of coursework could also inculcate teamwork and other interpersonal skills.
“I have seen her (Yeoh’s) talks, and she has common sense. If she were to be in charge, I trust her judgement to improve our education system by doing her due diligence to research foreign study models that could be applied in Malaysia,” she added.
Nonetheless, Liz clarifies that Yeoh will require a sociological understanding of Malaysians, across all levels of society, in order for her to truly cater to the people.
She added that revamps in the cabinet cannot happen drastically, as depriving Malaysians to adapt at their own pace could instead lead to resistance to change.
An architect who wishes to remain anonymous also said that having Yeoh and Damansara MP Gobind Singh Deo in the cabinet could benefit Malaysia, while Barisan Nasional (BN) MPs should also be given roles.
“Yeoh and Gobind are outspoken when it comes to their constituencies, and can bring fresh takes to the table,” he said.
“I do think the BN members also deserve space (in the cabinet) to redeem themselves after the prejudice that has been put against them,” he added.
A sales associate who goes by Al suggested that Lembah Pantai MP Fahmi Fadzil could succeed as the Women, Family and Community Development Minister, based on his tireless aid for his community.
She added that the upcoming cabinet should be strict and bribe-free in their administration, in order to avoid an unfavourable aftermath for the country.
“If bribery is prevalent, where else can Malaysians go to seek refuge?” she asked.
“It has to be clean from the top. As ministers, stern action should be taken against offenders,” she added.
Pre-university student Adam Siddiq similarly said that the cabinet should be principled, credible, and stringent.
“Whoever is appointed should be honest in what they do. It is also important for them to have the proper credentials to lead the nation,” said the 18-year-old.
“A lot of our leaders who were in power have gotten away with numerous offences, so they should put more emphasis on a strict parliamentary system,” he added. – The Vibes, November 30, 2022
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