JOHOR BARU: Barisan National Youth hopes to see at least 30% of the candidates in the upcoming six state elections to come from the youth wings of its component parties.
Barisan Youth deputy chief Mohd Hairi Mad Shah said this was the same quota that was requested by the coalition’s youth wings during the 15th General Election (GE15).
“It is important to put forward seats for young people, including those from the Puteri wing, in the elections.
“It is not that we want to disregard long-time politicians, but the young people are the ones who will determine the future of the next generation,” he said.
He said this to reporters when met after the Agro Rakyat Johor sales here at Pasar Tani Kekal Jalan Datin Halimah on Friday (June 16).
Hairi, who is also Umno Youth election director, added that he has also met with the youth machinery in the six states that will be facing polls.
“Once I have received their input on the polls, I will bring it forward to the leadership and the election director of the coalition,” he said.
On working with Pakatan Harapan, Hairi, who is also Umno Youth deputy chief, said that it was not an issue.
“There are some who said it will be difficult for Barisan to work with Pakatan, but I do not think there will be any difficulty working together to ensure the stability of the unity government.
“Barisan has its own youth wing and so does Pakatan. When combined, the youth wings of these two coalitions have over 60 years of being in the government and opposition.
“The combination of Pakatan and Barisan with its respective experience of being in the government and opposition makes the current government a strong one,” he added.
Kedah, Penang, Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Terengganu and Kelantan are slated to hold their state elections this year.
– The Star