KUANTAN: The move to appoint three youth leaders including two Pahang Umno division chiefs into the state executive council line-up for the first time is a timely move to let their voices be heard at the decision making table.
On Dec 2, Datuk Nizar Mohd Najib, who is the Pekan Umno division youth chief along with his Raub counterpart Fadzli Mohamad Kamal along with Pakatan Harapan's Triang assemblyman Leong Yu Man were sworn in at Balairung Seri Istana Abu Bakar as part of the 10-member state exco line-up.
Pahang Umno Youth chief Mohd Farid Mohd Nor said it is time for the trio to set aside political differences to focus on introducing and implementing initiatives that will empower youngsters across the state.
"Besides the Pekan and Raub Umno youth chiefs, we have Leong who is the Pahang DAP organising secretary in the state exco line-up. They represent the aspiration of the young people and it is an opportunity to have our voices heard on various issues which have been plaguing over the years.
"They need to introduce a blueprint or working paper catering specially for youths on matters concerning the community especially housing, quality education, job opportunities and tackle social problems. Besides speaking on issues concerning youths, they will be able to contribute fresh ideas in the decision-making process which involves their peers during the weekly executive council meetings," he said when contacted.
He said in the past, the Pahang state exco lineup only consists of one young leader who will be appointed to the sports and youth executive council portfolio.
Meanwhile, Farid said since young voters aged 18 and above now play a vital role in determining the outcome at elections, the move to appoint the trio sets a precedent when naming state exco members in the future.
"Giving young people a voice will help them take control of their future and their contributions matters. Young people across Pahang now know that they have three representatives in the state exco who are able to champion their needs," he said.
The 38-year-old Leong is the youngest state exco member while Nizar is the eldest son of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak who won the Peramu Jaya seat while Dong assemblyman Fadzli is the former press secretary to Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail.
Leong is a third term assemblyman while Nizar and Fadzli made their debuts in the 15th general election.
The 10-member state exco line-up in the first unity government between PH and BN in Pahang, consists of eight assemblymen from Umno, one each from DAP and PKR respectively. Wan Rosdy has been retained as the Menteri Besar for the second term.