KUALA LUMPUR: A Johor Umno delegate unveiled a slew of initiatives to empower youth to face new economic challenges in the 21st century.
Tenggara Umno division delegate Hahasrin Hashim said the government can expand the 1 Business Programmme 1 Student to the youth and pique their interest in entrepreneurship.
“The government can also introduce a tax rebate to companies that employ 100 per cent local employees.
“We also believe that the youth should be given exposure on financial management especially on the importance of saving,” Hahasrin said, adding that with these savings, the youths will be able to invest in real estate, education and insurance.
He said youths today need to be more competitive and attain specialised skills.
He also pointed out that the Malay youths need to be aware that this era do not recognise Malay supremacy.
“In fact, we are entering a competitive era which is borderless, not limited to ethnic diversity but instead encompasses specific and complicated skills.
“We want to make it clear that the challenges for the Malay youth in this era is diversification and competitiveness to enable them to succeed in the 21st century.
“The opposition has always portray Malaysia as facing a serious economic crisis. Malaysian economy is not in crisis and we Malaysians are not in a crisis.
“They said that Malaysia is at the brink of bankruptcy and should the people decided not to replace the existing government, then everything will be in chaos. However, such claims are totally baseless and irresponsible.
“This can be explained with facts. Firstly, the unemployment rate in Malaysia is among the lowest in the world at only 3.4 per cent as of September this year.
“Secondly, the gross domestic product growth of Malaysia’s economy was at 6.2 per cent in the third quarter of this year, the highest since 2014,” he said during his debate on the motion of economy.
Hahasrin however, did not deny the fact that there Malaysians are facing challenges, especially when the current world economic situation is undergoing the adjustment phase.
“Other factors include the fourth industrial revolution as well the presence of China as a new and radical economic power.
“Fluctuating oil prices has also impacted the overall economic situation in the country. But, this does not mean we are ailing and on the verge of going bankrupt," he said.