[OPINION] Why Youth Parliament should be limited to students

THE recent announcement by the Speaker of Dewan Rakyat on implementing Youth Parliament next year to students in IPT only signals a promising step towards engaging Malaysia’s younger generation in understanding the responsibilities of governance and leadership. While some may advocate for opening this platform to all youth, I believe that Youth Parliament should be limited to students. This approach ensures a fair foundation for learning, mentorship, and growth, equipping youth with the necessary tools to represent their generation thoughtfully and effectively.

As someone who joined the current session of Youth Parliament under Ministry of Youth and Sports without a political background, I have often found it disheartening to engage on platforms dominated by those with prior exposure to politics. The absence of basic experience in these settings might cause emotions of overlooking or exclusion. Youth Parliament should create an atmosphere where everyone is committed to learning and developing in the political sphere. By only allowing IPT students, this makes it possible for a thorough, organized approach in which participants acquire knowledge and self-assurance without having to worry about competing against more seasoned peers.

Youth Parliament represents more than a chance for young people to voice their opinions; it is a platform for fostering genuine leadership and civic responsibility among the next generation. Restricting participation to students ensures that Youth Parliament remains a dedicated learning environment, designed to educate and equip participants for future roles in governance. This focused setting provides a balanced starting point for students to understand complex issues, practice responsible discourse, and engage with decision-making processes that mirror real-life governance.

Youth Parliament representatives should also be provided with meaningful mentorship from State Assemblymen and Members of Parliament, who should be fully aware of their role in nurturing these budding leaders. These mentors play a vital role in providing guidance and sharing practical insights from their experience being elected representatives of the people. By offering their expertise, these officials can bridge the gap between theory and practice, helping Youth Parliament representatives gain a deeper, more actionable understanding of public service.

In a country as diverse as Malaysia, where youth perspectives are essential for tackling multifaceted issues, Youth Parliament can be a foundational step toward a more engaged, informed, and proactive generation of leaders. In addition to training people, our emphasis on students is creating a new culture of responsible, knowledgeable youth leadership that will influence our country's future. Malaysia needs this deliberate, mentorship-driven framework to make sure that the leaders of future are aware, qualified, and ready to successfully represent the people.

Annsley Dawshana Stephen, Malaysian Youth Parliamentarian (Pulau Pinang) 2023/2024