IN this interconnected and digital world, we may mistakenly think that social media platforms are the only tools that we have to make positive changes.
Without a doubt, hashtags or viral postings can create awareness of any issue. But, they are not the most effective in bringing about change.
Many of us like to complain when our political system appears to have failed us. We feel ignored. But, the thing is, we are also failing the system. Politics starts at the “local” level. When you understand your community and the issues surrounding the neighbourhood or state, you learn to make a stand on things.
Localising politics and getting youths engaged in issues have a way of making the environment more diverse. When people with different backgrounds and experiences get involved, debates and opinions are all the more rounded and insightful.
For me, the most efficient way is to raise issues or problems with community elders or leaders, and assemblymen. It is a good idea to start locally if you want your voice heard.
Such a platform is all the more viable under the leadership of Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, and Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, through the Anak Muda Nadi BN initiative. Aimed at encouraging debate and discussion between youths and leaders, the topics are very much localised— they are made in Perak for the people of Perak.
It is, and has always been, the plan of Zambry’s government to foster an inclusive environment where youths don’t feel left out, but are comfortable discussing pertinent issues with leaders. We may not agree on everything. Some will have to compromise. But, facts have to be accepted. This is the kind of democracy that we want to develop in Perak for the youth.
For instance, encouraging the youth to be more engaged with their surroundings is nurturing a mentality that will get them to work towards achieving a green and sustainable future.
Zambry has been at the forefront to get our communities to protect our environment. Some RM30 million has been allocated for sustainable development in the state. This is crucial. Global warming and climate change are real threats to the environment. Floods and landslides are occurring more often.
By 2050, our fuel reserves will have run out. Solar and wind energy, perhaps even nuclear energy, will be the new energy sources.
Besides environmental issues, the jobs of tomorrow will not be like the jobs of today. Our education system may not be compatible with the demands of the economy in the future. We need to re-skill our youth and provide them with knowledge. Twenty years ago, nobody would have thought that a computer scientist could make RM100,000 a year.
In the next few months, our youth will be making a very important decision. And, while politics has always been emotion-based, I urge everyone, the youth included, to be sensible and wise at the ballot box. Be mindful of the future. The country needs leaders who are credible, capable and have a track record.
Ask yourself whether the alternative really has your future and your interests in mind. Ask yourself whether they say things that only sound sweet but are unrealistic.
Ask yourself if a 92-year-old man is the best option for the next five years — five years that will define your development, your opportunities and the economy. The mark of great leaders is that they look towards the future. They make difficult, and perhaps, unpopular decisions today to safeguard the country for tomorrow.
In our commitment to engage with the youth and prepare them for the challenges of the future, Perak must be a model state. Under Zambry, Perak has reached new heights. The state’s hardcore poverty rate is a low 0.74 per cent. The consumer price index, at 0.4 per cent, is among the lowest in the country. In terms of inequality, the state’s Gini coefficient index stands at 0.346 per cent. Perak’s gross domestic product per capita growth rate is 8.1 per cent. The state government has invested heavily in the future. Some RM92.26 million has been allocated for the “generation of knowledge”.
This is why it is important that we support the state government’s initiatives. The engagement process has already begun in the form of Perak’s Festival of Ideas, Pangkor Dialogue, Ipoh Youth Forum and many more.
Now is the time for us to demonstrate a new kind of politics that is factual, fair and analytical.
Khairul Azwan Harun is Perak BN Youth chief and Umno Youth national vice-chief. He can be reached via: kaharun76@gmail.com