FINISHING TOUCH: Muhyiddin putting the finishing touch to a huge painting by students of LimKokWing University as Taib and others look on. — Photo by Mohd Rais Sanusi
KUCHING: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak will launch a new youth volunteer programme called ‘My Beautiful Malaysia’ next month.
This initiative will be the largest youth volunteer programme in the country, and it would involve millions of youths nationwide.
Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the primary aims of the programme were to foster the spirit of volunteerism among youths, regardless of their race and religion, and to instill the spirit of togetherness among all Malaysians.
Speaking at ‘Majlis Santai Bersama Belia’ at Kuching Integrated Recreational Centre (KRIC) yesterday, Muhyiddin told the 3,000-strong youths present that the government had channeled a lot of energy into youth development and it was up to youths to grab all the opportunities available.
“The government acknowledges the importance of youth development for the success of the nation in the future relies heavily on the upbringing of the youths of today.”
Muhyiddin said the youths of today were lucky compared to those of yesteryears as they had access to technology and were well informed.
“This situation should be the foundation of the nation in future which we will need to further polish.”
On another matter, Muhyiddin called for a closer relationship between the government and youths.
“Sarawakians are lucky to have a capable chief minister who had succeeded in turning this state into one of the most modern states in Malaysia … not forgetting our prime minister who is keen to transform the nation into a modern Malaysia by the year 2020.”
He advised youths to approach the government should they need assistance to organise beneficial programmes.
“Grants are not an issue if everything is done accordingly.”
Muhyiddin, accompanied by Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, later visited booths put up at the event. These include car and motorcycle motorshow, extreme sports demo, and skills demonstration by students from several colleges.
Also present were Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Patinggi Alfred Jabu Numpang and Housing Minister Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg.