BANGI: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has advised the youths to make the right choice to avoid being judged.
"What I ask is that in a world filled with challenges and social media which threatens, you must make the right choice.
"Because with one mistake, a generation will judge us in the valley of indignity," the Prime Minister said when launching the new phase of the Rakan Muda programme at Dewan Canselor Tun Abdul Razak in University Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) on Sunday (June 25).
Anwar’s advice to the youths comes in the wake of the looming state elections in six states.
The states of Penang, Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu are likely to hold the state polls simultaneously in August following the dissolution of their respective states assemblies.
Anwar also reminded the nation's youths that they are the ones who will determine the future of the country.
"You must decide and affirm if you want a united and strong Malaysia," he said to the cheers from the youths gathered at the event.
Earlier, he assured the nation's youths that the unity government would not take the old approach of reaching out to them.
"What is different is that when faced with problems the young encounter, we will not just give advice or warnings.
"The youths will feel that they are ‘drowning’ by being nagged by old people.
"They want the government and the ministry (Youth and Sports Ministry) to give them space in terms of what programmes will be offered under a new breath.
"Let the youths decide for themselves," he said.
Earlier, Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh said the government decided to give a new breath to the Rakan Muda programme, which was launched in 1994.
She said she was only 15 at the time and was among the first participants under the Rakan Muda programme, which gave a lasting positive impression.
Yeoh said she made it one of her priorities when helming the ministry to breathe new life into the programme but retained some of its features.
She also said the government decided to retain the Rakan Muda song, logo and tagline and promote it.
Yeoh said that 10 new initiatives will be included under the Rakan Muda programme to make it more in line with the needs of today's youths.
She said the new initiatives are Rakan Bumi, Rakan Musik, Rakan Demokrasi, Rakan Digital, Rakan Litar, Rakan Mahir, Rakan Niaga, Rakan Ekspresi, Rakan Aktif and Rakan Perihatin.
She said the new programmes were opened for online registration for youths in their respective states.
Meanwhile, Anwar announced that eligible youths will receive the RM200 aid under the e-Tunai Belia Rahmah programme beginning 8am Monday (June 26).
"Please use the money wisely," he said to thunderous cheers from the youths at the event.
Youths aged 18 to 20 or full-time students at higher education institutions can register for the programme from 8am tomorrow.
It was reported that the registration and payment period would be from June 26 to Aug 22.
