KUALA LUMPUR: Former elected representatives can and should play a large role in educating young voters on matters of history and politics, said newly-appointed Barisan Nasional deputy chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
"First-time voters don't want to just learn about the history and contribution of past leaders. They want to know what is new and what the future holds for them, say, in 20 or 30 years,” he said at the ground breaking ceremony of Wisma Mubarak (Former Elected Representatives Council) in Sentul today.
"We don't want the generations of Y, Z and alpha (he next generation) to forget their roots, but at the same time, we must find a balance, as there won't be the new without the old.
"When we become ‘old books’, we shouldn't interfere with (the work of) our successors. When we are in power, don't forget that we will one day relinquish our position.
"We should embrace the reality and adapt accordingly. With the experience that we have, we will definitely be seen as still being relevant," Zahid added.
The Deputy Prime Minister also said the government will look into providing assistance to former elected representatives from both political divides.
"We don't only fight for one side, but even those who were in the opposition, as they had also contributed ideas and views," he said.
Also present at the ground breaking was Mubarak president Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Rahman.