Youth Urged To Strengthen Character, Lead Malaysia’s Future

SEREMBAN, May 15 (Bernama) -- Youth have been urged to continue strengthening their identity, leadership and spirit of struggle to ensure the country’s future remains on the right track in line with the Malaysia MADANI aspirations.

Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari said youth development should not focus solely on programmes, but should also prioritise character building, leadership skills and readiness to face future challenges.

He said that in line with the theme of National Youth Day 2026, Menggerak Belia MADANI (Mobilising MADANI Youth), the focus is on highlighting the strategic role of young people as the future generation of leaders who will shape Malaysia’s economic, social and political landscape.

“If you want to see a nation’s future, look at its youth today. With the spirit and encouragement shown by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (Prime Minister), InsyaAllah, Malaysia will remain on the right track.

“Youth must prepare themselves to become future leaders, a generation capable of shaping the country’s economic and leadership landscape,” he said at the National Youth Day opening ceremony at d’Tempat Sendayan today.

Present at the event were Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who launched the Malaysia Youth Action Plan 2035, and Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun.

Meanwhile, he said the ministry will introduce a new branding, Rakan Muda MADANI, to ensure its programmes remain relevant.

He said various leadership development and youth empowerment programmes will continue to be strengthened to ensure the country’s youth are equipped with strong skills and leadership values.

Meanwhile, Aminuddin said the state government remains committed to supporting young people in education, sports, technology, entrepreneurship and leadership, noting that the country aims to produce young people who are not only job seekers but also capable of creating job opportunities for others.

“The world is changing rapidly. Young people who master knowledge, technology and new skills will be the ones to lead the country into the future.

“I hope this year’s National Youth Day celebration will inspire all young people to keep moving forward. Never feel that you are too small to make a difference,” he said.

The Port Dickson MP said history has shown that many major global changes were driven by the courage of young people who believed in their dreams, adding that youth should make full use of their time to learn, build experience and create something that benefits society and the nation.

-- BERNAMA