PERAK STATE YOUTH CONSULTATIVE COUNCIL

The Perak State government and Perak State Youth and Sports Department jointly organised the PERAK STATE YOUTH CONSULTATIVE COUNCIL MEETING today (28.5.2009) in Syuen Hotel, Ipoh.

The Menteri Besar of Perak state officiated the meeting; while the Perak State Executive Councillor in charge of youth and sports chaired the meeting. 10 government agencies relevant to youth were invited together with all the district consultative council chairmen in Perak. All the Perak State Youth council members and the chairman of the respective youth organisation were invited too.

I was appointed to the council since 2002. From my experience the standard and presentation were dropping from bad to worst. It seems that the department held the meeting for the sake of meeting.

Today only 2 papers were presented. Time for debate, discussion and clarification were limited. The sitting arrangement badly done. Notice to council members were issued late. Poor sound system.

I took part in the debate on the poor participation from the non-Malay youth to all youth programmes / activities organised by the youth and sports department or the district youth council. My perception on the query is simple as most of the Chinese youth are busy with their school / college activities. While working adult are tight-up with their respective job schedule and some with family commitment. Difference life-style between Malay and Chinese youth. Migration of rural youth to city due to further studies, job prospect and living.

Most of the 'penggerak Rakan Muda' are Malays and they do not approach the Chinese youth at the same time the Chinese youth and their leader are also not pro-active enough to approach the department officer. As they is no initiative by either side, there is no relationship.

I have play the role as the "bridge" between the youth and sports department with the Chinese youth since the day I was elected to Perak State Youth Council in 1996. I work within my limits. Most of the Chinese youth and their leaders are working within the Chinese community only. That's the main reason why programme organised and dominance by the Chinese; the respond are tremendous while programmes organised by the Malay do not receive respond from the Chinese youth.

The most critical factor is the poor command of Bahasa Malaysia by the Chinese youth. This is the main factor that distract them from joining the programme / activities where Malays are dominance. Difficulties in communication and interaction between Malays and Chinese.

Personally, I feel that one of the party [the youth and sports department officers, 'penggerak Rakan Muda' and the Chinese youth] should initiate the first step; if not the issues prolong. I will continue to play the "bridge" role till I am not wanted by the youth!

YOUTH WITHOUT ORGANIZATION

Group photo

Sungai Siput Youth and Sports Department has organized a youth camp for those youth whom they have not registered with any youth association yet or those who want to set-up new youth club. This camp was held in Pangkor Island on 22 - 24 May 2009. 40 youths from Sungai Siput participated consist of 10 'orang asli', 10 Indians and 20 Malays.

Officers' duties and functions are ..........

Multi-racial participants!

Group presentations - orang asli, malay and women

The participants were explained why they should participate in youth activities through various youth clubs. 4 new clubs were formed. They are guided step-by-step on setting up new club. I was invited to give a talk on the club's officers duties and functions.

Group discussion. Facilitators guiding the 'orang asli'

Relaxing games for all ......

This camp is important as the participants were exposed on how to set-up club, conduct meeting, filing annual returns, financial management and the functions of the committee.

Closing speech by En. Amer Izzuddin, the officer

Presenting certificates to participants & receiving gift from the organiser

The VIPs

PERAK YOUTH FRIENDSHIP TOUR - KUNMING, YUNNAN

Perak State Youth Council has decided to visit either Cheingmai, Thailand or Kunming, China. I was appointed the coordinator and organizer for the tour during the Perak State Youth Council EXCO meeting recently. My immediate action is e-mail to the Malaysia Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand and Malaysia Consulate General in Kunming.

I received immediate respond from the Malaysia Embassy in Bangkok. The Second Secretary of the Embassy would assist us, however, they have no contact with youth organizations in Cheingmai. I try to liaise with youth organizations in Cheingmai and Bangkok. The respond are good. A few youth clubs in Cheingmai responded. The Cheingmai Youth Hostel agreed to assist us in transportation and lodging. Few youth organizations has no problem to accept us but they could not arrange other activities with other youth organizations.

The respond from Malaysia Consulate General office came a few weeks later. This may due to the official visit by the Prime Minister of Malaysia to Beijing during this period. The Consulate General office agreed to made arrangement on our behalf with the youth organizations in Kunming, Yunnan.

I am very much appreciate the commitment and generosity of the Consulate General, Tuan Roseli Abdul.

The Yunnan Youth Federation and Kunming Youth Union agreed to accept us as their guest.