'Let's have the Youth Parliament soon' - Dewan Negara president

Dewan Negara president Tan Sri Abu Zahar Ujang today expressed hope for the establishment of the Youth Parliament be expedited as an apt platform in driving the aspirations of youths.

However, he said, the basis of its implementation had to be comprehensively studied, taking into consideration those to be brought to the sittings based on racial diversity and maturity of the individuals selected.

"The framework has been drawn up but the implementation (of the Youth Parliament) has not been announced yet. This is because the government wants to focus on building a young group able to understand our system and become more forward-looking leaders.

"We want to do the best as quickly as possible because time flies and we wish to see the role of young leaders be on the right track towards nation-building."

Abu Zahar said this to reporters after attending the National Leadership Forum organised by the National Council of Professors with the cooperation of the Malaysian Parliament and the Civics Bureau under the Prime Minister's Department, here.

The Youth Parliament is an initiative announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak two years ago.

The main aim of establishing it is to train and produce second echelon leaders of calibre and credibility in line with the nation's current and future needs.

In September, Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar said the first sitting of the Youth Parliament was expected to take place in March or April next year with the representatives chosen from all the states.