Youths a 'partner' in nation building, not vulnerable group - deputy minister

Youths need to be seen as a strategic partner in shaping the country rather than a group that needs to be constantly protected.

In saying this, Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Steven Sim added that such negative perceptions by some of the older generation are disruptive in both economic and social aspects.

"One of the questions that was always thrown to the ministry in parliament was what is our plan to address the problem of youths being involved in social illnesses, how are we going to protect them.

"I think this defines the generation before us, who automatically link youths with negative activities, that the youths are vulnerable and need protection.

"But the (new) principle that has been set by our (Youth and Sports Minister) 'Yang Brohormat' Syed Saddiq is that we should no longer see youths from a negative perspective.

"We need to see them as strategic partners in shaping this country," he said at the launch of 'Voice of Nation Building' programme in Universiti Malaya today.

The one-day event organised by Malaysiakini has a line-up of youth-centric discussions aimed at empowering the group in nation building and giving them a voice to create a better future for Malaysia.

Participated by youths, including students from public and private tertiary education institutions, the event features key figures from the country's political arena, NGOs, academicians and activists.

Among the guest speakers are Syed Saddiq, International Trade and Industry Minister Darell Leiking, former Bar Council presidents S Ambiga and Ragunath Kesavan, and Deputy Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change Minister Isnaraissah Munirah.

Malaysiakini co-founder and editor-in-chief Steven Gan in his welcoming speech said the programme was organised to give a platform for youths to have their voices heard.

"Your opinion is important. You are the future of this country," he told youths in attendance, adding that they should take this opportunity to voice out their opinions to the policymakers.

The programme for today is as follows:

- Panel discussion on 'Engaging Youths in Nation Building' (10.30am to noon)

- Policy discussion titled 'Towards A Greener and Cleaner Malaysia' (1.30pm to 3pm)

- Policy discussion on 'Living in the Age of Automation and Disruption' (3pm to 5pm)

- Debate between Syed Saddiq and Ragunath titled 'Undi@18, Are We Ready?' (8pm to 10pm) - Mkini