PBB deputy youth chief Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman said this move would also be in line with the dynamic political situation in this country. -NSTP/NORSYAZWANI NASRI
PBB deputy youth chief Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman said this move would also be in line with the dynamic political situation in this country. -NSTP/NORSYAZWANI NASRI

KUCHING: It is time for Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), the backbone of the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government to establish a new wing specifically for members aged between 18 and 28 to promote youth empowerment in the party.

PBB deputy youth chief Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman said this move would also be in line with the dynamic political situation in this country.

"Moving forward, PBB has to remain relevant and must be a party for all ages - be it the old and the young," he said.

"At the same time, this would bode well for the state's preparations to face Undi18 which will be implemented soon where youth participation is needed for the administration," he added.

He was asked to comment on Chief Minister and Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) president Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg's announcement that the PBB constitution would be amended for a special wing to be formed catering to those aged 18 to 28.

The Chief Minister said this would be realised once an amendment to the party's constitution is passed in the coming PBB Convention or triennial general meeting (TGM) in June.

He told reporters at a press conference after chairing a PBB Supreme Council meeting on Sunday evening.

Abang Johari said a committee co-chaired by Sibuti MP Lukanisman Awang Sauni and Fazzrudin, who is also the Tupong assemblyman has been set up for the formation of this new wing, including to decide on a suitable name.

Fazzrudin hoped that with the establishment of this wing, PBB can promote more youth-centric dialogues and policies as well as approaches which would better serve the youths in this state.

"All this while, the party has been engaging with youths aged 18 and above in various sectors – education and welfare. Now we are emphasising their involvement in politics."

"In this modern age, with the different age groups within the youth themselves, it brings about different mind-sets. This new wing will look into this," he added.

Fazzrudin said the youth have to understand and realise the policies of the state government and what we have in store for them.

He said plans by the state government be it in infrastructure development, technological adoption as well as the digital economy was for the youths.

He said this was to prepare the state for the future – in which the youths will play a huge part in being leaders in the government, the workforce and citizens in general.

The state government, he said, through the Chief Minister along with the state Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has listened to the aspirations of the youths through town hall sessions and other engagement activities.

"This has translated to several policies which are of benefit to the youths – including the discounts on National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) repayments as well as flight tickets for university students," he added.