Younger generation should speak up, highlight mature politics

KUALA LUMPUR - As the heirs of the nation, the younger generation plays a crucial role in highlighting mature politics that can indirectly help shape the country towards a better future.

Since youths as young as 18 can now vote in elections, it is crucial that they have peer guidance to help them properly evaluate and disseminate the vast amount of political-related information, particularly in cyberspace.

Malaysian Youth Council (MBM) president Mohd Izzat Afifi Abdul Hamid said it is the responsibility of the youth to rectify any inaccurate information and facts in order to increase the community’s access to reliable information.

He said that this is due to the fact that young people, who are the most active users of social media, should be the first to check and verify all news and information.

"Young people and youths should be the ones who mobilise the cultural renewal agenda and noble attitude.

"MBM hopes that today’s young people will have more positive attitudes and good values to ensure a better future for the country,” he told Bernama.

He said this in response to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s call for youngsters in the country to play a role in helping the government deflect accusations from certain parties in today's political and economic landscape.

Anwar said the youngsters can also help convey or explain various ‘truths’ through social media, one of which is the issue of allocations to several states under the Perikatan Nasional (PN) administration.

Meanwhile, Universiti Putra Malaysia Youth Development lecturer Associate Professor Dr Mohd Mursyid Arshad said that by sharing their knowledge, values, and commitment, youths can contribute to the betterment of the nation’s future.

"Youths play a role as the next generation that will be in charge of developing the nation with new ideas and making suggestions to the government through the right channels, as well as always putting an emphasis on innovation and continuing to contribute their energy and expertise to the country,” he said.

In the context of youth development, he said the government can translate the involvement of youths in the national development agenda through their participation in various sectors, including education, the economy, and social. - BERNAMA