PETALING JAYA: The Government regards youths as partners in nation-building, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

He said the future of the country depended on youths, who represent 45% of the population.

Therefore, he said smart policies and programmes must be in place to tap the potential of 12.5 million youths.

Young at heart: Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Senator Gan Ping Sieu (second from left), International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed, Muhyiddin and Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek (right) posing for a group photo in Petaling Jaya yesterday. — Bernama

“And we guarantee that the principles of engagement, participation and empowerment would be applied in all youth programmes,” he said in his recorded National Youth Day message at Sunway Pyramid here yesterday.

Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin opened the event. Najib added that the Government had allocated RM200mil under the Strategic Action Youth 1Malaysia to provide skills development training for school dropouts.

Another RM200mil was allocated under the My Creative Venture Capital for youths to venture into new and innovative businesses.

Various housing and loan schemes have also been introduced to enable youths to buy homes without having to pay a deposit, Najib added.

Muhyiddin said Putrajaya will be flooded with more than two million youths from May 23 to May 27 who will showcase their talents, skills and creativity.

“They are gathering to show strength, and not to takeover Putrajaya like certain quarters,” he said in his speech.

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