Latest news with #MalaysianYouthCouncil
The Star
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Star
Respect bridges all differences
AMIDST the country's vibrant diversity, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong stands not only as a constitutional monarch but also as a steadying force and symbol of unity for all Malaysians, regardless of race or religion. Known for championing harmony even during his reign as the Johor Ruler, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, continues to embody the spirit of unity on a national scale. For 31-year-old youth volunteer and entrepreneur T. Thashidaran, the King's call for racial unity resonates deeply. Inspired by His Majesty's words that unity is the greatest gift Malaysians can offer, Thashidaran has dedicated much of his time to helping the underprivileged, including the Orang Asli community. 'I also believe that sports is a powerful medium to unify people from different backgrounds. 'That is why I provide free football coaching to over 150 students from several schools in the Klang Valley twice a month,' he shared in an interview. Ho (left) and Ahmad Farhan both acknowledge the proactive role of the royal institution in building bridges among communities. Thashidaran, who won the Selangor-level National Prime Minister's Youth Award this year, said he is actively involved in various non-governmental organisations (NGOs) including the Hindu Youth Organisation. He has also helped install solar panels in Orang Asli villages and offered free school transportation for students at risk of dropping out. Thashidaran credited the start of his active volunteerism with an incident a decade ago when his car tyre burst on an expressway in Kuala Lumpur. He didn't know how to replace a tyre at the time and his location meant complications with towing. 'Left with no choice, I stood by the roadside for about two hours in the drizzle. Thankfully, a kind Chinese uncle stopped his car and came to my rescue. Soon after, an elderly Malay motorcyclist also pulled over to help us. 'The experience changed my outlook on life. This camaraderie is one of the small things that happen daily in Malaysia and is something we often take for granted,' he said, adding that after fixing his car, he called the two generous men to thank them for their help. Thashidaran (right) and other volunteers preparing to distribute food to the needy in the Klang Valley. He added that the King has always emphasised unity and harmony, and he hopes Malaysians take that message to heart. Malaysian Youth Council (MBM) secretary-general Ahmad Farhan Rosli echoed this sentiment, highlighting the royal institution's vital role in safeguarding national harmony. 'The Agong is our symbol of unity and the umbrella that protects all Malaysians. 'His Majesty has the authority to speak up on issues that threaten peace and uses that voice wisely,' he added. The MBM represents over 40 youth-based NGOs as Malaysia's largest youth federation and recently launched its Harmony Committee. This initiative aims to enhance inter-racial and interfaith dialogue across the nation. Ahmad Farhan noted that the committee was officiated by Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, who serves as the Bandar Tun Razak MP and is Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's wife. 'Unity is a shared responsibility. We must go beyond tolerance as we must truly understand and get to know each other despite our differences. 'We need to actively seek understanding by engaging in dialogue and appreciating each other's cultures,' added Ahmad Farhan. Thashidaran helping to install solar power panels in an Orang Asli village in Cameron Highlands. Meanwhile, Johor Baru Tiong-Hua Association president Ho Sow Tong said Johor's deep-rooted multiracial harmony can serve as a model for the entire nation. 'The concept of Bangsa Johor was introduced by His Majesty's forefathers and reaffirmed by the Sultan himself. 'It shows how a multiracial society can thrive when built on mutual respect and cooperation,' he said. Ho pointed out that many in the younger generation are unaware of the long history of the Chinese community in Johor, which dates back to the reign of Sultan Abu Bakar in the 19th century. He said Sultan Abu Bakar personally invited the Chinese to settle in Johor and help develop the state's economy by planting pepper and gambier. The royal family also introduced the Kangchu system, under which the Chinese established riverine settlements known as kangkar across Johor. 'At one time, there were more than 20 kangkar settlements across the state, each led by a chieftain or Kangchu. 'The Chinese were not pendatang; they were invited guests of the Sultan. This sense of welcome and shared purpose laid the foundation for harmony,' he said, adding that the spirit continues to this day. The goodwill between the Johor royalty and the Chinese was further cemented when the Chinese community leaders gifted Sultan Abu Bakar the Dewan Cina, a hall within the Istana Besar grounds that still stands today. 'The hall was once used as a meeting place for the state assembly. Today, it is still known as the Chinese Hall and houses plaques, gifts, and royal collections of the Johor royal family. 'More than that, the building symbolises friendship, appreciation and cooperation between the Malays and the Chinese,' said Ho. Ho added that Sultan Ibrahim walks the talk as His Majesty is often seen mingling with the people at various cultural functions, including the annual Johor Chingay Festival organised by Ho's association. This serves as a reminder that Malaysia's strength has always come from its people – united in diversity, bonded by mutual respect and guided by a monarch who rises above politics to safeguard the nation's soul.
The Sun
26-05-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
ASEAN youths urge action on digital literacy, climate change
KUALA LUMPUR: Youths across ASEAN have called for urgent efforts to strengthen digital literacy and tackle climate change, identifying both as critical pillars for sustainable development and a greener future. Malaysian youth representative Izzat Afifi Abdul Hamid said these issues received strong and encouraging feedback from ASEAN leaders, who expressed hope that the region's youth would take a more proactive role in shaping ASEAN's development, in line with ASEAN Vision 2045. 'We focused on youth development in a joint statement prepared by ASEAN youth representatives since last Wednesday,' he told reporters after the 4th ASEAN Leaders' Interface with Representatives of ASEAN Youth, held on the sidelines of the 46th ASEAN Summit here today. Izzat Afifi, who is also Malaysian Youth Council president, said the statement was well received, with leaders responding positively to the recommendations put forward by the youth delegates. During the session, which was attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim along with ASEAN leaders and youth representatives, Izzat Afifi delivered the joint statement titled 'Youth for a Sustainable Future: Empowering Inclusion and Driving Change in ASEAN', outlining nine key points to enhance youth development across the region. Also present were Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh and Deputy Minister Adam Adli Abdul Halim. Meanwhile, Michelle Ann M. Villanueva of the National Youth Council of the Philippines expressed appreciation for the opportunity to elevate youth voices at the regional level. 'We are heard, we matter, and it is just an amazing experience because the people in the highest positions - those involved in policymaking and decision-making for every country in ASEAN - were there, and they heard what we had to say,' she said. The 46th ASEAN Summit is being held under Malaysia's 2025 Chairmanship, themed 'Inclusivity and Sustainability.' This marks Malaysia's fifth time serving as ASEAN Chair, following previous terms in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015. In conjunction with the summit, two high-level engagements -- the 2nd ASEAN-GCC Summit and the inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Summit -- will also be convened, aimed at advancing regional and inter-regional cooperation.
Barnama
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
ASEAN Youths Urge Action On Digital Literacy, Climate Change
Malaysian representative and Malaysian Youth Council (MBM) President Mohd Izzat Afifi Abdul Hamid (fourth left) delivers the ASEAN Youth statement at the ASEAN Leaders' Interface with Representatives of ASEAN Youth, held today in conjunction with the 46th ASEAN Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. --fotoBERNAMA (2025) COPYRIGHT RESERVED KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 (Bernama) -- Youths across ASEAN have called for urgent efforts to strengthen digital literacy and tackle climate change, identifying both as critical pillars for sustainable development and a greener future. Malaysian youth representative Izzat Afifi Abdul Hamid said these issues received strong and encouraging feedback from ASEAN leaders, who expressed hope that the region's youth would take a more proactive role in shaping ASEAN's development, in line with ASEAN Vision 2045. 'We focused on youth development in a joint statement prepared by ASEAN youth representatives since last Wednesday,' he told reporters after the 4th ASEAN Leaders' Interface with Representatives of ASEAN Youth, held on the sidelines of the 46th ASEAN Summit here today. Izzat Afifi, who is also Malaysian Youth Council president, said the statement was well received, with leaders responding positively to the recommendations put forward by the youth delegates. During the session, which was attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim along with ASEAN leaders and youth representatives, Izzat Afifi delivered the joint statement titled 'Youth for a Sustainable Future: Empowering Inclusion and Driving Change in ASEAN', outlining nine key points to enhance youth development across the region. Also present were Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh and Deputy Minister Adam Adli Abdul Halim. Meanwhile, Michelle Ann M. Villanueva of the National Youth Council of the Philippines expressed appreciation for the opportunity to elevate youth voices at the regional level. 'We are heard, we matter, and it is just an amazing experience because the people in the highest positions - those involved in policymaking and decision-making for every country in ASEAN - were there, and they heard what we had to say,' she said. The 46th ASEAN Summit is being held under Malaysia's 2025 Chairmanship, themed 'Inclusivity and Sustainability.'
Malay Mail
25-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Youth council says raising retirement age to 65 unsuitable for Malaysia, warns of shrinking job opportunities for graduates
KUALA LUMPUR, May 25 — The Malaysian Youth Council has voiced its opposition to the proposal to raise the retirement age to 65, arguing that the policy is not suitable for Malaysia's labour market. Its president Mohd Izzat Afifi Abdul Hamid said the move would carry socio-economic implications that could adversely affect youth employment and development, the New Straits Times reported. 'For example, the increase in the retirement age from 55 to 60 in 2013 was linked to the loss of nearly one million new job opportunities for graduates and young job seekers,' he said in a statement today. 'In the current context, Malaysia produces more than 300,000 graduates annually, and many of them still struggle to secure permanent employment.' Mohd Izzat said the proposal by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said lacked sensitivity towards the realities of the generation gap in the workforce. He said the youth council believes that generational transitions in the workforce must be managed in a balanced and inclusive way. 'This is not a matter of choosing between the young or the old; rather, it is about ensuring fair policies that guarantee economic security for all parties, especially the younger generation who are building their lives and careers,' he said. 'Raising the retirement age is not just about the ability to work, but also about economic fairness and the right of young people to have equal opportunities.' Mohd Izzat added that the council viewed the proposal as too general and more aligned with the experience of senior professionals. 'Not all elderly people are physically capable of continuing to work effectively,' he said. 'According to a World Health Organisation report (in 2021), one in three individuals aged over 60 faces physical limitations. 'Additionally, they are also at risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart problems, which are increasing.' Last Tuesday, Azalina said the government should consider raising the retirement age from 60 to 65, stating that many Malaysians above 60 remain active. However, a Berita Harian online survey found that more than 15,000 respondents rejected the proposal, with most suggesting the retirement age should instead be lowered to 55.
New Straits Times
18-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Youths make up majority of road accident deaths, says Zahid
KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has expressed concern over the high number of road accident fatalities involving youths. Zahid said the situation called for urgent and coordinated intervention from youth groups, the government, and the private sector. "On average, 6,000 people die in road accidents each year. Ninety per cent of those who perish are youths," he said at the closing ceremony of the Federal Territories-level 2025 National Youth Day celebration here last night. Zahid, who also chairs the Cabinet Committee on Road Safety and Congestion, illustrated the scale of the tragedy by comparing it to six football fields filled with graves, each field representing 1,000 lives lost. "We must prevent this from continuing, as we are losing a vital part of our productive workforce. This must be stopped," he said. He urged the Malaysian Youth Council and state-level youth councils, including those in the Federal Territories, to take proactive measures. "Organise special courses for young motorcyclists, covering road safety and motorcycle maintenance," he said, adding that Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) had the capacity to support such efforts. "In this situation, we must not act in silos. "We must work together with ministries, departments, agencies, the private sector, and non-governmental organisations," he added.
