KUALA LUMPUR: The success and future of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) is dependent on the party's capability to chart the nation's course and its ability to resolve issues beleaguering youths, who will form the largest group of voters in the next general election (GE15).
Armada (Bersatu Youth) chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal said the Covid-19 pandemic which has caused economic and health crisis globally has also raised the question on the country's direction and the fate of the people's future.
"Youth, nowadays, are facing several challenges including unemployment and underemployment, lack of identity (alienation) and precarity (the state of being precarious or uncertain) which will subsequently turn them restless.
"(If such issues remain unchecked) they will eventually have to endure dealing with other secondary challenges such as mental health and social depravity.
"As the vehicle for the youth to address the Malay dilemma remains unresolved, Armada has formulated concrete offers to free the people and transform them into a dignified and sovereign society be it in terms of geopolitics, economy, technology or culture," he said.
Wan Ahmad Fayhsal who is also the deputy Youth and Sports Minister, said this in his policy speech at Bersatu's third Annual General Assembly today.
The annual assembly is being conducted virtually due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Armada, said Wan Ahmad Fayhsal, will also be moving 12 motions anchored on five thrusts on youths, championing productivity, quality livelihood, vulnerable group and Malaysia on the global stage.
The motions include a call for 20 per cent of Bersatu election candidates as well those appointed to Dewan Negara and local council authorities be made-up of youths.
"Half of the Malaysian population are those aged 30 years and below. With Undi 18 coming into force in July next year, youths will comprise the largest group of voters which the party must reach out to.
"Although 20 per cent is not much, it is sufficient to (represent the voice of) youths. Nevertheless, the more the better," he said.
Other motions include a call to immediately revamp the country's education system focusing on technical and vocational training and education (TVET).
This, he said, would ensure that there is ample employment opportunities for youths which meets their talent and passion.
"The pandemic created a major shock which showed that only technology can guarantee and offer high value and stable employment opportunities.
"Due to the lack of preparation on this aspect, many are losing their source of income especially youths who had just begun building their lives," he said.
Through the employment guarantee policy under the National Employment Council which is chaired by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who is also Bersatu president, Wan Ahmad Fayhsal said several schemes could be empowered to create and develop employment opportunities.
"A 'talent matching' system that identifies and matches young talents with the best employment opportunities needs to be expedited immediately," he said.
Wan Ahmad Fayshal also called upon the government to preserve the accessibility and security of the Straits of Malacca and South China Sea as well as employ efforts to transform Malaysia into a regional hub for Islamic finance and banking, academic reference centre as well as technology and research and development (R&D).
"Armada must also be aware of the geopolitical issues. Hence, we urge for BaitulMaqdis to continue to remain in Palestine which is independent and sovereign," he said.
Wan Ahmad Fahysal said all the motions presented above could not be implemented alone by Bersatu but requires the cooperation of its political allies in Perikatan Nasional.
"In line with the Federal Constitution, Bersatu is committed to unite all the people under one nation and under the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
"Nevertheless, this unity can't be achieved alone but together with our friends in Perikatan Na
sional," he said.