AT the recent state-level Youth Day celebration, I had the opportunity to convey several messages to Johor’s youth.
First, it was for them to celebrate their young lives and not to become old before their time. As part of the youth demographic, it is important for them to spend their youth wisely and to face challenges.
This will be the age of their prime; it is a time when they have an abundance of energy and are brimming with inquisitiveness.
I told them: “Don’t worry about the challenges and difficulties. They are a part of life. There will be difficult paths that you will need to take to achieve your goal. So, don’t give up too easily. Do not feel scared to take risks and experience failure.”
Youths must make use of their time to gain knowledge, life experiences and do good. It is only by doing such things that they will gain maturity. This maturity will help them in adulthood. This is something that money cannot buy. There are no shortcuts! They must experience it for themselves.
Second, the young men and women are the future of Johor, as well as Malaysia. I have never been too worried about infrastructure in Johor. We have a lot of good infrastructure, and these are increasing in numbers and being upgraded to world-class standards. I am also not too worried about investments in the state. For four consecutive years, we have recorded the highest number of investments in Malaysia. Johor’s location, at the world’s busiest straits, will continue to make it a state that has immense potential.
But, the future of Johor is not solely related to its facade or the aforementioned things. The true future of Johor depends on the character and contributions of its youth. If Johor’s youth aim for excellence, education and exemplary character and extraordinary spirit, then Johor’s future will be set. The youth are a reflection of Johor’s future. We are not merely working to become a developed state and nation. We want to be more than that.
We want the best community and people, and we want the best to come from our young men and women.
The late Sukarno (Indonesia’s first president) said: “Give me 10 young men, I’ll shake the world.” This famous quote exemplifies the importance of youths in a country and their contribution to nation-building.
Being future leaders, youths will replace current leaders and chart a new course for the nation in time to come. In Islam, the best youths are described in Surah Al Kahfi through the seven companions in a cave who defended their faith against a ruthless ruler.
In the history of human civilisations, the city of Constantinople or Istanbul was founded by Muhammad Al-Fateh, a young man who commanded the best army. These may be fine examples, but the best youth will be defined in the current context.
For me, the best among the youth are those who are responsible for their future, family, dependents and community. They must also be responsible for the religion and country. These are the traits of youth that Malaysia needs.
My third message for the youth relates to the future of Johor and their responsibility towards the state.
Johor’s youth must step forward and become part of the solution to the challenges faced by the country. They must be aware of the state’s aspirations and development, and take note of its shortcomings.
The youth must embrace the Progressive Johor vision, which is aimed at creating prosperity for Johor and its communities. It is a vision that is aimed at the wellbeing and social justice of our beloved state. The target is to ensure that every person will get to see his talent and potential enhanced. This is the vision for a prosperous Johor.
I invite all youth to join me in making this vision a success, and to tell me if there are any shortcomings. Voice out your ideas so that the vision can be improved. The youth must rise and take a leap of faith, and become part of the machinery that develops Johor.
Let’s work together. I cannot build another person’s future and I cannot promise that the future will be perfect.
I am not among those who sell hopes and promises. I may not know exactly what kind of future that the youth dream of, but I know the type of youth that are needed for the future.
The future needs people who are patriotic and responsible towards their country, people and religion.
The future needs hard workers, and those with strong principles with exemplary morale and behaviour. I hope that Johor’s youth will become men and women who possess quality, integrity, courage, and have their own identity and character.
Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin is Johor Menteri Besar