LETTERS: As the old saying goes, curiosity knows no bounds. I have always wondered what it is like working in the civil service back in the college days.
This eventually led me to apply for the prestigious Perdana Fellowship programme some time last year.
To my surprise, I was afforded with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity - an attachment with the Prime Minister's Office! I could still vividly remember the moment when I first stepped into the office, along with my three other peers from the same batch. It felt surreal.
Never would I have imagined in my wildest dreams that I would be given the opportunity to serve the country in such capacity.
Fast forward seven and a half months, it is nothing short of a fulfilling and humbling journey. The Fellowship stint has provided me with a whole new perspective.
Some of my key takeaways would be none other than the valuable exposure to work with some of the best minds in the country and the opportunity to learn how policy frameworks are crafted. I am in awe of the dedicated team who work tirelessly day and night.
I enjoy working on wide-ranging tasks on a daily basis, ranging from meaningful research work to providing some input for speeches.
I am also privileged to be placed under the tutelage of a wise and graciously kind mentor who constantly empowers me to learn and grow.
Undoubtedly, no one would have predicted the occurrence of any health crisis. One can only imagine the mounting challenges faced by the government-of-the-day to exercise a delicate balancing act between the lives and livelihoods of the people.
Ultimately, every decision has to be made in the best interest of the Rakyat.
Speaking from personal experience, I am fond of the dedication shown by the Prime Minister who remains steadfast in carrying out his duties.
As the nation's premier, or as they say, the busiest man in the country, he bears a huge responsibility to orchestrate a whole-of-nation approach amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
He is often portrayed as someone who is meticulous and more importantly, a person who walks the talk and listens to different views.
No whims and fancies, but the sheer hard work and willingness to go the extra miles to protect the well-being of the citizens.
The pandemic has seen unprecedented measures taken by the government through a series of financial assistances which is followed by the largest national budget in history, a reflection of its commitment to uphold the notion of 'people first'.
As the Perikatan Nasional government marks its one-year stint, much of the ground work has been laid out according to plan as evidenced with the formation of a handful of working councils such as the National Employment Council.
Meanwhile, institutional reforms remain very much on top of the government's priorities via the concerted efforts across agencies in ensuring a graft-free society.
I also realise the importance of youths in nation-building. Youths have and always will play a pivotal role as part of the government agenda.
We are the beacons of hope. Just recently, a Youth Advisors Council to the Prime Minister was formed with the aim to provide a platform for youths to represent their voices.
The pandemic is, indeed, a timely reminder for youths to adopt themselves in light of digitalization.
There is a plethora of opportunities afforded in terms of employability such as MyFutureJobs, a one-stop job portal as well as other upskilling, reskilling and cross-skilling initiatives.
The year 2021 offers us a ray of hope amidst the economic challenges. One of the most exciting things to look forward to is perhaps the much anticipated mass vaccination drive which aims to immunize approximately 80 per cent of the population.
With vaccines in place, the government could then switch its focus to other pressing issues and the launch of the 12th Malaysia Plan.
As with any other policy-making institutions, there is bound to be a fair share of weaknesses, more so during these difficult, trying times.
While very often it maybe human nature to point fingers, it calls for great courage of any leaders to recognize the shortcomings and overcome them.
Be that as it may, any government can only do so much. The Rakyat, too, have a role to play as we carry the hopes of the nation. At the end of the day, it is up to us to embrace these challenges and play our respective role in the community.
To fellow youths, I am hopeful that we can all be the catalysts for change. Let us take a leap of faith and make the most out of every opportunity, be it in our studies or at work, to achieve our aspirations.
This, I believe, is just the beginning. Let us unite and work together across all aspects of society towards a better future, a Malaysia that we all love.
Sim Why Jean
Kuala Lumpur
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times