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On my first day of work in Malaysiakini, my boss told me, “I want to give youths a voice, a chance to break away from the old practice of being silenced, because each and every one of us wants to be heard.”

Malaysiakini is intent on doing exactly that – providing a platform for youths to voice their opinions, suggestions and ideas on issues that are important to the future of the country.

This was the simple idea behind Kini Events’ ‘Youth Policy Debate and Discussion’.

The event kicks off with Damansara MP Tony Pua, former Bar Council president Ambiga Sreenevasan, activist Fadiah Nadwa Fikri and the Malaysian Centre for Constitutionalism and Human Rights' Mazni Ibrahim taking to the stage at Dewan Tunku Canselor, Universiti Malaya to share their experiences on how youths can play a unique role in nation-building.

This will be followed by  ‘Undi@18, are we ready?’ on the merits (and demerits) of the proposed new voting agewith no less than Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman going up against former  Bar Council president Ragunath Kesavan to debate whether lowering the voting age will create greater political awareness among youth.

The youth of Malaysia today are not spared hikes in food prices, flash floods that wreck homes, the haze that engulfs our cities every year, and the lack of decent job opportunities – the latter of which will be made even more precarious with machines taking over more and more jobs.

Being the demographic with the most at stake, youths need to start raising these concerns with policymakers and engage them in discussions – and perhaps even suggest alternatives or solutions in the process.

As part of the ‘Voice for nation-building’ agenda, International Trade and Industry Minister Darell Leiking and the Deputy Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change Minister Isnaraissah Munirah Majilis will be discussing Industry 4.0 and climate change – issues of great importance that often get sidelined in the national narrative.

As Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad says: “It is difficult for old people to change their minds, but the young must make use of this freedom that they are being granted to rebuild this country according to their own ideals.”

We here hold to this as well, that our voice matters, and it is the youths who will shape the future of our nation. Of course, a one-time engagement may not make a difference, but Kini Events' 'Youth Policy Debate and Discussion' serves as a starting point; the first step towards engaging youths in the policymaking process to help create a more outspoken and politically-aware generation of young people.

A special shoutout to our youth engagement partner, IOI Properties Group, who believes in the potential of youths in empowering the development of society.

For more information on how to register for the 'Youth Policy Debate & Discussion’, click here.

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