Youth important to govt policymaking: Yeoh

PUTRAJAYA – Youth in Malaysia are now bolder in getting involved and becoming "important people" in policymaking and government policies, said Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh.

She said the Youth and Sports Ministry is aware that the characteristics of the youth have changed along with the speed of technology with challenging economic, social and political changes.

"Youth are also now more courageous, they want to be involved and be part of the solution to a problem," she said when officiating the 2023 National Youth Awards (APBN) here today.

According to Yeoh, based on data from the Statistics Department, the population of Malaysian youth aged between 15 and 30 years in 2022 will be 9.6 million people, which is almost 30% of all Malaysians.

"The quality and well-being of the youth's life should be a priority because the youth group, which is almost 30%, are the leaders of the country today who determine the direction and future of the country," she said.

She said several engagement sessions were held with stakeholders including the youth through town hall sessions with the Malaysian Youth Council (MBM) as well as a Budget 2024 consultative session to listen to the challenges and suggestions of young people.

Meanwhile, Yeoh said the Rakan Muda initiative, which was given a new lease of life with 10 lifestyles in June, now has 1,074,934 members with 3,888 programmes implemented.

The Rakan Muda programme, which was re-launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on June 25, involved 10 new lifestyles, which are Rakan Demokrasi, Rakan Litar, Rakan Aktif. Rakan Bumi, Rakan Digital, Rakan Ekspresi, Rakan Mahir, Rakan Niaga and Rakan Prihatin.

"I want as many young people as possible to benefit from these programmes (Rakan Muda), especially in empowering each other's potential and talents, improving skills and expanding networking," said Yeoh.

In a press conference later, Yeoh said an allocation of RM20 million in the 2024 Budget will be channelled to each state to hold Rakan Muda programmes. – Bernama, November 11, 2023