KUALA LUMPUR: The Youth Parliament is expected to be implemented this year, with its first sitting as early as June following elections to select Youth Parliament representatives, which are planned to be held in early May, said Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul.
Johari said almost all preparations related to the implementation of the Youth Parliament have been completed, including the format and guidelines, with current focus on finalising the establishment of political parties at university level.
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However, he said the implementation is subject to the smooth functioning of the system and preparations, which are now at the final stage.
“The format is almost ready, the guidelines are also ready. Right now, we are finalising the establishment of parties at universities.
“If our system is ‘alright’ this month or next month, we may see the elections taking place in May or June, and the sitting will begin after that,” he told Bernama and RTM after the opening ceremony of the 15th Parliament's Fifth Session here today.
The opening ceremony for the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara was officiated by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia.
Previously, Johari said the implementation of the Youth Parliament is an important effort to expand youth participation in the country’s democratic system and to provide them with early exposure to parliamentary proceedings.
He said through the Youth Parliament, which was previously managed by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, young people will be directly exposed to the process of debate as well as the presentation of ideas and proposals in a more structured and responsible manner.
The initiative is also in line with efforts to strengthen democratic culture and to produce a future generation of national leaders who are more mature and credible.
