Dr Zaliha (standing) answering questions posed by representatives during the SBWP session in Kuala Lumpur.
A PROPOSAL to extend the Federal Territories Youth Assembly (SBWP) for another year was turned down at the conclusion of the 2024 session.
Introduced this year, the assembly comprised 65 youths aged between 18 and 35 who discussed policy proposals affecting Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan.
The assembly met twice this year in Kuala Lumpur – from July 12 to 15 and Nov 8 to 11 –with most discussions centred around infrastructure developments, education and economic matters.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa, who is also SBWP patron, said the decision against the extension was to give more youths a chance to take part in the programme.
“If it were up to me, I would have liked to follow the Dewan Rakyat model, which convenes quarterly.
“However, we also want to ensure more people get the chance to give their input,” she said at the final SBWP session.
At the assembly, participants were divided into 13 parliamentary constituencies in the Federal Territories, with each area having between three and 12 representatives.
Bukit Bintang representative Zuree Affendie Dzuraimi, 30, who proposed the extension, said this was to emulate similar sessions in other states.
He said each assembly in Pahang and Negri Sembilan lasted for two and three years, respectively.
Muhammad Yassir Arafat Kassim, 30, who represented Bandar Tun Razak, suggested for an alumni association to be formed, to serve as a mentorship platform for upcoming representatives.
Dr Zaliha, in response, agreed to implement the proposal, noting it would ensure continuous involvement of the current batch of youths.
Separately, Sim Ken Men, 19, who represented Cheras, hoped more Chinese youths would apply for the programme for the sake of diversity.
Sim, who found out about the programme via the MCA Youth chat group, said many youths could be unaware of the application process.
“The SBWP is a good platform to offer our views while improving our command of the national language,” he said.
The final session was chaired by Sungai Petani MP Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari, who also served as Speaker.
The SBWP was jointly organised by the Federal Territories Department with Kuala Lumpur City Hall, Putrajaya Corporation and Labuan Corporation.
Applicants were screened to ensure they had no records of criminal activities or bankruptcy.
