THE Penang government, in collaboration with Penang Youth Development Corporation (PYDC), will be organising a youth development programme called ‘Calon 18: Penang edition’, to prepare youths who will be contesting for state assemblymen seats in the next state election.
Due to take place in November and December this year, state Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee said the programme would prove to be crucial to prepare the youngsters for the next election as they are the future of the state and country.
During the State Legislative Assembly sitting in September this year, the Penang State Constitution (Amendment) Enactment 2021 Bill on lowering the age limit for state assemblymen candidates from 21 to 18 years was passed.
“It is now time to equip our youngsters with all the important traits that will be essential to serve the people and our state.
“As I have always said, they are the future and this is a huge step moving forward. I would like to thank PYDC for joining hands with the state government to organise this programme,” Soon said during a virtual press conference today.
It is believed the programme is open for 120 youths for now, and registration which had started on Oct 4, will go on until Oct 17.
Soon encouraged those aged 18 to 30 to seize this opportunity and prove their worthiness in a platform very important for nation-building through creative and innovative minds.
“During this programme, I understand the individuals will be exposed to topics such as procedures in Parliament, Malaysia’s institutional reforms, politics-related matters and many others,” he added.
Meanwhile, Batu Uban assemblyman A. Kumaresan, who applauded the initiative, was quick to also mention that limiting to only 120 participants was insufficient.
“Maybe the organising committee can consider extending this programme into phases, so that it can reach a wider pool of interested individuals.
“Apart from that, I would like to congratulate the state government and PYDC for this initiative.
“This platform will give young minds the opportunity to understand the importance of good governance and what it actually takes to be a state representative.
“I am a young politician myself, so the future state representatives will have my full support,” Kumaresan said during his speech.
Also lauding the programme was Machang Bubuk assemblyman Lee Khai Loon.
“I want to wish the future participants all the very best in this programme. It is hoped that all of you will set a good example as leaders and will thrive and attain greater heights as the voice of the people,” Lee said.
Also present during the press conference were PYDC general manager Dr Gwee Sai Ling and Undi18 co-founder Tharma Pillai.
For further information about the programme, kindly visit PYDC’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=pydc
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix courtesy of PYDC