KUALA LUMPUR: Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa is set to become the patron of the Federal Territories Youth Council.
She announced this at FT's National Youth Day celebrations at the Bukit Kiara Sports Complex today, following a proposal by its Youth Council president, Khairul Rizam Abu Samah.
Following this, Zaliha agreed to allocate RM50,000 for the youth council's administrative needs.
Meanwhile, on the newly established Federal Territories Youth Assembly, the programme aims to provide a platform for youth to voice their opinions and aspirations.
Applications for youth to become assembly members have been extended from May 17 to 31.
The department seeks to enlist 65 participants, with five from each of the 13 parliamentary areas in Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan.
"So far, there have been over 200 applications, which is an excellent achievement. We will hold assembly sessions in a format similar to Parliament in July and November.
"I also want to see youth organisations in Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, and Labuan ensure leadership composition includes all youth groups," she said.
This assembly is a collaboration between the Federal Territories Department, Kuala Lumpur City Hall, Putrajaya Corporation and Labuan Corporation.
"When I first became the Federal Territories Minister, we held a town hall meeting where a young person expressed the need for a platform for youth to voice their opinions and aspirations to the government.
"We have established this in other states, and now we are doing it in the Federal Territories. This programme is inspired by the youth," she said.
She said this new initiative allows young individuals to offer opinions, inputs and constructive criticism to leaders, ensuring they serve the citizens of Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, and Labuan effectively.
Themed 'Yakin Boleh', Zaliha also officiated FT's National Youth Day event, which was also attended by Youth and Sports Ministry deputy secretary-general Ramona Mohd Razali.
The event is being held today and tomorrow (May 19) at the Bukit Kiara Sports Complex.
This Youth Day celebration brings together youth from various backgrounds to strengthen their commitment to urban youth development and their contributions to the nation.
Highlights of the programme include 'Malam Cinta Rasul,' sports competitions, talent showcases, extreme sports challenges and entrepreneurial initiatives designed to foster entrepreneurship and creativity among the youth.
