BY SARAH HAFIZAH CHANDRA
KUCHING: Sarawak National Youth Organisation (Saberkas) has been asked to organise more programmes to empower youths based on their interests.
Its vice-president Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi noted that youth interests were always changing in tandem with current trends.
“Hence, we must adapt the programmes to these changes so that our leadership and social programmes remain relevant.
“Programmes should be organised throughout the year and it can be on anything as long as it is beneficial to the youth. But we must take into account what are the youth’s current interests before organising any programmes,” he said at Saberkas Pantai Damai branch dinner at The Waterfront Hotel on Friday.
Dr Abdul Rahman who is also the Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs and Kuching North City Commission) encouraged new members to be proactive and explore the numerous opportunities offered by being a part of the organisation.
“I notice that almost 90 percent of the people present are new faces. I’ve been in your shoes before, I know how it feels like to be unsure of what you’re supposed to do, how you can contribute and be involved.
“My advice is do not be shy or isolate yourself from other members. At the same time, you should approach the youth in your area and ask them what kind of programmes they are interested in. It is important for the youth to engage in positive activities which will prevent them from participating in unhealthy activities,” he added.
According to Dr Abdul Rahman, Saberkas Pantai Damai branch has the largest number of members but new members were always welcomed.
He revealed that Saberkas had amended its constitution regarding its membership whereby it now comprises of 70 percent youth aged below 45 years old and 30 percent seniors above 45 years old.
Abdul Rahman said this was to ensure that the organisation continues to appeal to the youth and to have them involved.
“It is important to train, prepare and empower our youth for the future because they are our future. When they are ready, they will be ones to take over from the seniors like myself.
“However, the youth must be guided by the senior. This part of the process is to ensure that they are moulded into future leaders who are visionary and competitive with a strong identity,” he added.
At the event, Dr Abdul Rahman presented a cheque for RM30,000 to Saberkas Pantai Damai branch to finance its activities. Sixteen units under the branch also received RM3,000 each for their activities.
