The government will adopt a constructive engagement in its relationship with youths

KUALA LUMPUR, May 16 (Bernama) -- The government and youths are partners in
nation building and the government will adopt a constructive engagement in its
relationship with youths said Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.

Muhyiddin said such an approach can be forged by fostering a close
relationship and listening to the views of youths so as to unveil new and
vibrant ideas that can be used for nation building.

"Youths and the government are inter-dependent, help each other to shoulder
the burden, and work as a team to ensure success for the nation," he said when
launching the National Level Youth Day celebrations here Sunday night.

Muhyiddin said although youths normally have critical views when discussing
current issues, it can be channeled constructively so that the government can
look at the issue from a different perspective.

As such, by working hand in hand, the government would be able to resolve
numerous issues faced by youths and at the same time youths can contribute their
potential to the nation, he said.

Muhyiddin said the youths played an important and strategic role in
contributing towards national development and the importance of the youths was
not merely due to their large number, comprising more than one-third of the
Malaysian population, but because of their quality.


YOUTHS AND GOVT ARE PARTNERS IN NATION BUILDING - MALAYSIAN DPM

Youths with creative ideas represented the country's major asset because to
achieve the developed nation status, especially in an economic environment based
on knowledge, the nation depended greatly on the people's creative and
innovative qualities, he said.

"The youths too have strong idealism. It is not abnormal to see the youths
giving their own views and perspective on social, political, and economic issues
which are all very important in our efforts to build a progressive, fair and
prosperous society," said the Deputy Prime Minister.

The National Youth Day 2011, with the theme "Youths the Catalyst for
Transformation", was held at an open area in Jalan Bukit Bintang and attended by
about 3,000 people comprising mostly youths and even tourists.

The National Youth Day celebration reflects the recognition given by the
government for the contribution of the young generation towards national
development.

At the gathering, Muhyiddin was also given a big surprise when he was
invited up the stage to cut a cake in conjunction with his 64th birthday Sunday.