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!