Young voters should look to future when deciding who to vote

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Wilfred Madius Tangau said youths had their own aspirations for the country and therefore, should not be influenced by empty promises which were emotional in nature.

"For instance, in the last general election, the opposition said if it was voted into power, it would abolish the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN).

"Many people were taken in, by the promise, but the opposition did not explain what it takes to abolish it," he told reporters when met after a programme with the Kampung Malanggang community here today.

According to Tangau, who is also United Pasok Momogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (UPKO) acting president and Tuaran MP, the idea of abolishing PTPTN was a costly move that could jeopardise the people's hopes of having higher education.

"Promises (by the opposition) are just promises. So, it is important for the young people to engage themselves in forums or dialogues to ascertain the promises are genuine," he said.

The programme was co-organised by UPKO's communications and multimedia bureau, National Civics Bureau and University Malaysia Sabah (UMS).

The programme's organising chairman, Felix Joseph Saang, who is also UPKO's communication and multimedia bureau chairman said about 100 UMS students took part in the programme, which included several activities with the village community such cleaning the riverbanks of Sungai Kiulu, a popular recreational site for white water rafting.