30-07-2025
Top youth proposal to be raised at state assembly
Lau (centre) speaking to the press after the closing ceremony of Adun Muda Selangor 2025 in Shah Alam. With him are Selangor Deputy Speaker Kamri Kamaruddin (left) and Batu Tiga assemblyman Danial Al-Rashid Haron. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
The top proposal from 'Selangor Young Assemblyman' (Adun Muda Selangor 2025) programme will be presented at the Selangor State Assembly in November.
The proposal, which focused on education, inclusivity and financial assistance, received the most support from participants during a voting session.
'It will be brought forward to the actual Selangor State Assembly as a private motion in mid-November, giving the youths a real platform for their voices to be heard by policymakers,' said Selangor Speaker Lau Weng San.
Fifty-four youths took part in a two-day state assembly simulation. Two were absent during the final session.
From spirited debates to thoughtful proposals, the young 'assemblymen' demonstrated both skill and sincerity.
After the conclusion of the programme at the Selangor State Secretariat building in Shah Alam, Lau said the initiative had successfully honed the participants' ability to craft and deliver impactful speeches within tight time limits.
'It may have been their first time speaking in a setting like this.
'Of course they would feel nervous or awkward at first, but many showed real talent.
'We saw how they learned to manage their time and structure arguments effectively,' he said.
Lau added that five participants were also recognised as best speakers during the sessions.
The mock assembly saw a voting simulation, mirroring how actual motions were debated and decided in the state assembly.
The proposal on education beat out another popular motion on artificial intelligence (AI), which garnered 24 votes.
This event, which saw 56 participants aged 18 to 35 shortlisted for the programme, aims to inspire and nurture future leaders and policymakers by encouraging them to develop and champion causes they believe in.
Participants presented a wide range of topics they felt were crucial for leaders to address, with AI and cybersecurity being among the most popular.
One who stood out was a visually impaired participant from Lembah Jaya.
Aliff Ghazali, 30, debated entirely from memory – a feat that earned admiration from both organisers and peers.
'He could not refer to any text or notes while speaking.
'What he delivered came purely from memory.
'That is an extraordinary ability and he was rightly selected as a top debater,' said Lau.
The programme included a special dinner hosted by Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, where further suggestions were exchanged.
Among them was a proposal to expand the programme beyond the state assembly setting.
'The Mentri Besar suggested allowing these young participants to go to the field and see how elected representatives serve at the grassroots.
'It is not just about debating in the state assembly, but it is about understanding how institutions function and how services are delivered,' Lau explained.
He said this was the second in-person edition of the programme since it was revived in 2024.
Although it was first introduced in 2014, he said, it was not held consecutively every year, while previous programmes were held virtually.
He said this was a curated programme where participants were guided, mentored and evaluated throughout.
'We are still collecting feedback via an online form, which is part of our standard procedure.
'Their suggestions are heartfelt and free of political influence, which is encouraging.'
Details on applications are available through the Dewan Negeri Selangor website.
