Change negative perception, engage youths in decision-making policy, says Miri Resident

MIRI (Sept 14): The negative perceptions of youths, often linked to social issues such as drug addiction, thefts and crimes, must be urgently rectified, said Miri Resident Jamalie Busri.

Such social issues, as portrayed and highlighted on social media, had raised concern among the older adults, he observed.

“We must rectify the society’s perceptions of our youths. They are crucial assets to the nation and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that they can contribute and are involved in national development,” Jamalie said this in his speech for the Miri Division Youth Association Conference at the Resident’s Office here yesterday.

The text was delivered by his deputy Juan Ubit.

Citing the importance of youth leadership, Jamalie called upon leaders and policymakers to also engage the young people in decision-making processes so as to cultivate essential leadership qualities in them.

“Every youth should possess leadership qualities, starting with self-discipline,” he said, adding that the youth development programme should also be aimed at strengthening the youth’s identity and spirit of patriotism, and at the same time, improving their values in racial integration.

Meanwhile, the conference gathered representatives from various government and non-government agencies with the objective of fostering a deeper understanding of the youths’ role in national development.