KUCHING: It is crucial that the voices and representation from Sarawak be included in efforts to empower the nation’s youth, said Gerald Rentap Jabu.
The Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) youth chief stated that the federal government’s commitment to empower the nation’s youth was a shared effort.
He was commenting on Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s statement that the government was committed to empowering youth for the development of highly innovative and sustainable human capital.
The government through the Youth and Sports Ministry and in collaboration with Malaysian Youth Council was also taking the initiative to formulate a new youth development model.
“Youths are the future of our nation. If we do not give them room, their growth will be stifled. I appreciate the thought by the federal government to empower the nation’s youth, but I’m sure more can be done in making this effort as a common shared effort.
“The voices and representations from Sarawak must be there in the steering committee, not just the Malayan way. I believe if we can sit in one table, our ideas, creativity and support for each other can go a long way,” Rentap said.
The Layar assemblyman pointed out that the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government has always been supportive of the youth in Sarawak through various programmes and grants.
“In Sarawak, the GPS government has always been proactive and supportive of the youth and their involvement in arts, culture, sports and the spirit of helping one another.
“Among others, the state government has introduced the Sarawak Micro Credit which I brought up during my State Legislative Assembly (DUN) speech back in 2017, Sarawak Creativity Fund, Sarawak Volunteers, Graduan Pulang Scheme and many more,” he said.
He noted that youth in the rural areas were also given focus as they too are too eager to catch up.
“The same agenda applies to the youth in the rural areas as they are as hungry as their city brethren and wanting to catch up. We emphasise modern agriculture for them such as using Internet of Things (IoT) and social media to bring their product to the market.
“There are many success stories in this field, so we encourage the youth to participate in agriculture as a business,” he said.
He also said the education system must be strengthened as well in order to get a pool of talented and educated youth.
“Education, exposure, experience and most importantly, support from the community as well as the government must be given to all sectors. Only an educated and united society can overcome challenges or issues,” he added.
