KUALA LUMPUR: Youth participation in national development and decision-making is crucial to ensure that government policies are not one-size-fits-all, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories), Dr Zaliha Mustafa.
She said with youth comprising nearly 40 per cent of Malaysia's 34.7 million population, their involvement is vital to making policies tailored, targeted and effective.
"The government is commited to creating policies and development plans that promote the economic and social wellbeing of the people.
"However, achieving this comprehensively requires the involvement of all segments of society, including the youth.
"Youth are the future leaders of our country and their engagement is essential. The government must support and guide them to realise their full potential," she said in her speech at the Federal Territory Level National Youth Consultative Council meeting today.
In her speech, Dr Zaliha also touched on the challenges faced by youth.
"We cannot deny that our youth also face various challenges that need serious attention. Issues such as unemployment, mental health problems and the cycle of poverty still affect a significant portion of the youth population.
"It is concerning when data released by the Statistics Department shows that the youth unemployment rate is at six per cent, involving 439,700 individuals."
Dr Zaliha said realising this, the government has taken proactive steps by focusing on a long-term solution through the technical and vocational educational and training stream.
"Two months ago, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim launched the National TVET Policy 2030, aimed at addressing the mismatch between education and employment.
"With the right strategy, the TVET stream will equip individuals with practical skills tailored to industry needs, enhancing graduate employability — particularly among the youth — and reducing their unemployment rate," she said.
Meanwhile, at the meeting today, eight motions from Federal Territory youth council were tabled and debated.
The motions were on economy and entrepreneurship; health; education; youth housing; social; sports; and women, as well as a special motion on youth policy.
Dr Zaliha said the motions tabled were among the concerns and issues close to the hearts of the youth.
"I am sure that we have solutions for all this. It would be further discussed, with some can be brought to the policy level, especially at the Federal Territory level."