Mubarak to get close to university students, counter negative perceptions against govt

The Malaysian Council of Former Elected Representatives (Mubarak) aims to reach out to the younger generation in an effort help counter negative perceptions about the country's leadership which have been triggered intentionally by irresponsible parties.

Mubarak president Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Abdul Rahman said this was because the younger generation, especially university students were now faced with technology without boundaries and were easily exploited and this could jeopardise the country's integrity.

"University students are the future leaders. We must get close to them and guide them so that they remain strong and are not easily swayed so as to ensure national development goals are achieved," he said.

He was speaking at a dinner held in conjunction with the opening Mubarak's 12th General Assembly, Sunday.

Abdul Aziz said Mubarak members would use their vast experience in the national political arena to counter the negative perceptions and slander hurled by the irresponsible quarters, through various joint youth programmes.

"Among the programmes are the Undergraduates Parliamentary Sitting and other initiatives that can instill patriotism and unity among students," said Abdul Aziz.

Meanwhile, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Idris said Mubarak has played a great role and together with the ministry drew up various programmes to reach the younger generation through scientific and identity development activities.

"The Undergraduates Parliamentary Sitting is a great programme and has the potential to produce generations with quality, great persona and holistic.

"This will train them to become leaders with the ability to act as if they are on the real Parliament stage," he told reporters after opening Mubarak's annual general assembly.

Earlier, Idris had presented the Tokoh Mubarak Awards 2015 to six former elected representatives who contributed to the organisation.

Among the recipients were former Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abu Hassan Omar, Perlis Umno Veterans liaison committee chairman Datuk Selamat Saad and former Pahang deputy menteri besar Datuk Seri Abdul Jabbar Ibrahim.