KUALA LUMPUR: The younger generation plays an important role as 'torchbearers' of the country's development, says Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul.
He said the youth, who will succeed the country one day, should play an active role in injecting the spirit of unity and nationalism to remain invigorated while charting the country's triumphs.
"I would like to call upon youths to deepen (their) understanding of unity to safeguard the country's harmony.
"Although the responsibility lies in the hands of all of us (policymakers), this group (youth) should be prepared to contribute to the country's development," he said in a speech during the 2023 National Day and Malaysia Day celebration at the Parliament, today.
Also present were Dewan Negara deputy president Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed, Law and Institutional Reform Deputy Minister Ramkarpal Singh, Parliament chief administrator Zamani Mohd Ali, Dewan Negara secretary Muhd Sujairi Abdullah, and Dewan Rakyat secretary Nizam Mydin Bacha Mydin.
Johari said the Parliament had taken initiatives to organise youth development programmes to produce a group of young leaders.
The Youth and Sports Ministry has presented the Youth Parliament programme for Parliament which will be used as an incubator to produce a generation with leadership skills.
"Insya Allah (God's will) next year, we will revamp the voting process for the representatives of the Youth Parliament on a large scale."
On a different note, Johari added that the poverty cycle in Asia is being broken down as the region moves forward as an important contributor to the world's sustainable and inclusive economy.
"The world is currently experiencing a significant turning point. This century is Asia's Century and I am convinced that the economy's global centre of gravity is now heading towards Asia.
"Indeed, the spirit of nationalism born from the unity and cohesion of the people will build a powerful nation that boosts Malaysia's competitiveness in the global arena.
"In 2025, Malaysia will host Asean and I believe that the country is ready to drive the success of Asean which will further develop the people's socioeconomy"