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!
2 comments:
Hi Casey,
This topic is not new, I have to admit that the reasoning you presented were correct. I always thing that not only the life style of the Chinese in different and their mind set is also different. Well! The Chinese whether there are adult or youth, whether there are high educated or a school drop out....what in their mind was how can that find way to improve their standard of living....what they think was only "ECONOMIC VALUE", anything don't come with value will be set a side.
There are the dilema you will face when you talk about Chinese Youth activities. I salute you for your devotion into youth activities. Hi friend...keep it up!!
LY.Tai
(writting to you from Hamburg, Germany)
I am not certain that the Chinese youth are interested on the 'economic value'! Recently, a special program on Skim Tabung Ekonomi Belia (STEB) was organised for all the youth in Sg. Siput. I have published this programe in all major Chinese mass media. a few banners in dual-lingua were hung in strategic locations.
The purpose of this programme is to let the public know about this scheme. How they can apply, where to apply, what are needed, the terms and conditions, how to prepare working paper etc.
Guest what? The respond from the Chinese is very very poooorrr! Registered 12 only 2 attended.
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