Okay to field new faces for new Sabah state seats - Khairy

There is nothing wrong with some of the 13 new state seats in Sabah to be given to new faces in the coming general election, said UMNO Youth head Khairy Jamaluddin.

The Youth and Sports Minister said they must be given the chance to gain experience and work with the older generation in politics.

He said the government would be better off if the strength of youths was combined with the older generation who could guide, advise and shape them.

"Give the young a chance....why can't the young stand in the coming general election?

"We are not asking for everything but we want a chance be given to those of us who are capable," he said when closing the Kota Belud Muhibbah Youth Varia-C Carnival in Kampung Rampayan Laut, here Sunday.

The 13 new seats are N.02 Bengkoka, N.06 Mangaris, N.08 Pintasan, N.13 Pantai Dalit, N.17 Darau, N.24 Tanjung Dumpil, N.27 Dambai, N.44 Tulid, N.47 Telupid, N.51 Sungai Manila, N.58 Lamag, N.61 Segama and N.70 Kukusan.

With the addition, the Sabah State Assembly will have 73 seats.

Khairy also said Barisan Nasional and UMNO were confident of taking on anyone in the coming elections.

In a separate development, Khairy said the younger generation should have the courage to voice their opinions and thoughts but this should be to help the leaders govern and build a better nation.

He said he did not agree with some youths who held street demonstrations to topple the leaders as this was an undemocratic act which broke the laws of the country. -- Bernama