PRIME Minister Anwar Ibrahim today announced a RM5 million annual allocation for the Malaysian Youth Council (MBM) to empower young people.

He said the move was in recognition of the hard work and seriousness of the MBM leadership led by its president Mohd Izzat Afifi Abdul Hamid, in supporting the Malaysia Madani concept.

“MBM is special because its affiliates, representing various associations, races and religions, can bring youth together in the spirit of unity. MBM is important in saving our country and building new strength,” he said in his speech at the National Youth Day 2023 celebration at the Port Dickson District and Land Office field today.

Also present were Negri Sembilan Menteri Besar Aminuddin Harun and Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh.

Anwar said MBM needs to provide a detailed report on its plan to increase the membership of youth in associations.

“Secondly, how to get more women participation at all levels, including in MBM leadership, and thirdly, how to intensify programmes related to the economy, training, welfare and youth awareness in fulfilling their responsibilities in this country,” he said.

In the meantime, Anwar said the youth must have confidence, idealism, and principles, in addition to being respectful to one another and saying no to corruption.

“Today’s youth must realise that they are the ones who will determine their future, provided that they have the commitment, willingness to learn, reject corruption and tyranny, and uphold people’s dignity,” he said.

In conjunction with the National Youth Day celebration themed “Ini Masa Kita” (This is Our Time), he reminded the youth against using religion and race to destroy the nation.

Anwar, who once led MBM in the 1970s, said that he was determined to fight corruption today due to the spirit and principles of the movement’s past members.

At today’s event, the prime minister also launched the Madani Youth Development Model 2030 (MPBM2030), which complements the Malaysian Youth Policy.

MPBM2030 was developed based on the aspirations of the youth affected by the Covid-19 pandemic – emphasising four thrusts, 11 objectives, 14 strategies and 39 initiatives.

The model aims to produce dynamic, competent, competitive and resilient youth in facing current and future challenges.

Meanwhile, the prime minister proposed that government-linked companies such as Khazanah Nasional Bhd and Petronas be involved in youth training programmes focusing on leadership.

Anwar said he would bring a proposal related to training programmes at youth training institutes under the Youth and Sports Ministry to the cabinet for approval soon. – Bernama, May 28, 2023.