Youth Cabinet Committee Amplifies Young Voices In National Policy-Making
KUALA LUMPUR, April 22 (Bernama) -- The Youth Development Cabinet Committee (JKPB) gives young people a stronger voice at the highest levels of national policy-making.
Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia (ABIM) president, Ahmad Fahmi Mohd Samsudin, said the committee not only recognises the role of youth but also gives the government direct access to their input and insights.
He noted that existing platforms like the National Youth Consultative Council already unite youth groups and state representatives to elevate young people's proposals.
"All motions and working papers presented by youth can be escalated to higher levels, allowing grassroots voices to be considered in government policies," he said during Bernama TV's Ruang Bicara programme titled Penyertaan Belia: Tiga Fokus, Apa Gamaknya? (Youth Participation: Three Focuses, What's the Catch?) aired tonight.
The programme also featured senior lecturer Dr Mohd Fauzi Fadzil from the School of Islamic Studies, Languages and General Studies at Poly-Tech Malaysia University (UPTM).
Yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced that the JKPB has approved three papers focused on youth democracy and political literacy, empowering youth as change agents, and strengthening data systems.
Approved initiatives include the Young People Power Programme (KOM), the Malaysia Generasi Sejahtera Programme (MyGENTERA), and a not in employment, education or training (NEET) youth profile, to strengthen the national youth development ecosystem.
Commenting on KOM, Ahmad Fahmi said, "Political literacy is not just about elections. It shapes values like social concern, a culture of knowledge, and awareness of the impact of decisions.
He said democracy education should start early in schools to build an understanding of decision-making and civic responsibility.
Ahmad Fahmi proposed that, as young people are more connected online but less engaged in person, there should be more face-to-face spaces, including discussion labs on national issues, to channel their ideas more actively.
Meanwhile, Mohd Fauzi said that a Cabinet- and Parliament-level committee approach could cut red tape that previously made it difficult for youth voices to reach policymakers.
He noted that involving various parties, including non-governmental organisations, in such platforms also contributes to a more inclusive and impartial approach.
Mohd Fauzi also stressed that political education must distinguish between teaching about politics and teaching to do politics, with emphasis on democracy, nationhood and the Constitution.
-- BERNAMA
