THE Penang Youth, Sports and Health office under state executive councillor Daniel Gooi Zi Sen, and the Penang Youth Development Corporation (PYDC), will organise the 10th Sidang Muda (Youth Conference) on June 1 this year.
Gooi said the primary goal of the Sidang Muda is to cultivate a politically savvy young generation, instilling in them an understanding of their role and responsibilities as citizens of Malaysia within the framework of a parliamentary democratic system under constitutional monarchy.
“This platform was formed in 2015 to encourage youths to be more active in politics and aware of the administrative affairs of the country.
“We want to encourage the young to voice their opinions and provide suggestions that contribute to the well-being of the youth population.
“Youths are the leaders of the future. I hope our youth can actively engage in debates and discussions on current issues throughout the conference. It cannot be denied that the input of young minds in proposing ideas for community development is necessary for present and future progress.
“Therefore, I very much welcome the involvement of youth in Penang from various backgrounds and expertise to participate in the Sidang Muda programme. It is hoped that the youth will also be able to seize this opportunity to gain insights into government structures and operations.
“The state government is always concerned and committed to listening to the voices and views of youth,” Gooi said during a press conference in Komtar today.
This year’s Sidang Muda is part of the Rakan Demokrasi lifestyle under the revamped Rakan Muda programme.
Gooi added that to date, a total of 223 youths have participated in the Sidang Muda, with many now active in the political and social spheres. He himself is an alumni of the programme, which was then hosted by Suaram, a human rights organisation.
Some have taken up roles as temporary officers, special officers, and councilors, while others are actively involved in youth organisations, student bodies, NGOs as well committees under government supervision such as the Penang Youth Committee (JBPP) and Women’s Development Committee and Family (JPWK).
Gooi said they will consider only new faces this year, unlike previous years when former participants were also accepted. Nonetheless, some alumni will lend support to the programme by serving as facilitators.
Registration, which started on March 22, will end on April 5th.
He said the first session of the State Assembly this year is scheduled to be held towards the end of May, and this will be followed by Sidang Muda.
Gooi explained that the format of the Sidang Muda mirrors that of the actual State Assembly, featuring 40 state representatives, including 11 Opposition members. State Speaker Datuk Law Choo Kiang has agreed to preside over the conference.
PYDC general manager Dr Gooi Sai Ling, who was also present, said they would screen the applications based on the applicants’ backgrounds and issues they intend to raise.
She said the criteria include being Malaysian; born/residing/working/studying in Penang; ages between 18 and 35, fluent in Malay; and having never participated in the Penang Sidang Muda.
“So far, we’ve received 60 applications and the filtering process is underway. The participants will be given the opportunity to ‘turun padang’ (walkabout) with some assemblymen.
“We invite all enthusiastic and aspiring youth to make positive changes in the community to join this programme,” Dr Gwee said.
For more information, please visit the Sidang Muda website at https://sidangmuda.org.my.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Alissala Thian