Cultural Crush of the New Generation

The “Negarakuku” incidence happened as an example of the youngster’s frank feeling towards the politics nowadays.

Recently the younger generation especially Chinese have been disappointed with the existing political parties because they have no avenues in expressing their feeling through this platform. Hence, most of the youngsters choose to take part in NGOs and commercial line rather than participate in politics. They felt that they are not being appreciated by their own country even if they have good achievement in education.

Differences between Chinese youngsters and Malays youngsters:
Chinese
Many of them preferred to express their political feeling through internet – BLOG! They write their diary in blogs so that the information can be shared around the world.

Malays
They are very committed to the country because they treat the country as their homeland. If they find that they are unsatisfied with the government, they will choose to join the political party to express their feeling and solve their problems.

UMNO responded fiercely towards this incident especially in Utusan Malaysia because it is under the control of UMNO. The main issue of this incident is that the writer for this song is a Non-Malay.

Some commentator agree that Namawee is very creative but disagree with the contents and words he used in the song. It seems like Namawee do not understand the Malays and he has limited exposure to the Malay culture.

Some opined that this incident is a very good indicator to the Chinese based political party such as MCA and non racial party dominated by Chinese such as Gerakan. It has proved that the rights and position of Chinese in this country has been shaken by UMNO while the Chinese based political parties cannot defense the Chinese’s residual rights.

 

NATIONAL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT POLICY 3

5. Plan Of Action

The following of action will be used to achieve the National Youth Development Policy:

5.1     To provide knowledge-based training programmes jointly organized by public agencies, youth organizations, NGOs and the private sector.

5.2    To strengthen leadership and self development programmes that can further develop self-resilience, familial, religious and social institutions; thus enhancing the efficiency of rules played by our youth.

5.3     To upgrade skills development training, and create entrepreneurial and commercial opportunities that will propel youth to be independent, competent and capable of pursuing successful careers.

5.4     To empower youth organisations so that they capture the interests, commitment and enthusiasm of young people and activities planned by the society.

5.5     To provide opportunities and facilities for the self-development of the young people in social and economic functions.

5.6     To enhance the spirit of volunteerism I and patriotism through social, welfare i and voluntary works.

5.7     To ensure the understanding of youth in matters of globalisation, the importance of partnership with governmental I agencies, NGOs, the private sector and international networking.

5.8     To provide the necessary infrastructure , and mechanism for youth activities ‘ relating to research, assessment and ,evaluation.

6. Implementation Principles

1 All programmes and activities will be co-ordinated in accordance with strategies and I action plans founded upon the principles of the ‘Rukun Negara’ (Pillars of the Nation) and other relevant national policies. I

7. Conclusion

The National Youth Development Policy serves as a guide to enable all parties to plan and undertake 1I programmes that galvanize efforts in youth development.

5. Pelan Tindakan

Strategi di atas akan dilaksanakan melalui tindakan berikut:-

5.1 Menyediakan program keilmuan dan latihan kepada generasi muda yang dianjurkan bersama oleh agensi sektor awam, swasta, pertubuhan belia dan pertubuhan bukan kerajaan.

5.2     Mengukuhkan program pembangunan kepimpinan dan bina sahsiah bagi membina kekuatan diri, institusi kekeluargaan, keagamaan dan kemasyarakatan supaya generasi belia dapat berperanan dengan berkesan.

5.3     Memantapkan program latihan kemahiran, peluang perniagaan dan keusahawanan supaya generasi belia mampu berdikari dan membina kerjaya yang cemerlang.

5.4     Mengupayakan pertubuhan belia supaya dapat menarik minat golongan belia dan masyarakat menyokong dan menyertai aktiviti yang dianjurkan.

5.5    Menyediakan peluang dan kemudahan kepada golongan belia untuk memajukan diri dalam bidang sosial dan ekonomi.

5.6    Meningkatkan semangat kesukarelaan dan patriotisme melalui kerja-kerja amal, kebajikan dan kemasyarakatan.

5.7    Memberi kefahaman generasi belia tentang konsep persejagatan (globalisasi) dan kepentingan hubungan mereka dengan agensi kerajaan, swasta, pertubuhan belia dan pertubuhan bukan kerajaan serta jaringan antarabangsa.

5.8    Menyediakan prasarana dan mekanisme yang sesuai bagi kegiatan penyelidikan belia termasuk pemantauan dan penilaian.

6. Prinsip Perlaksanaan

Semua program dan aktiviti diselaraskan berasaskan strategi dan pelan tindakan yang telah ditentukan berteraskan kepada Prinsip-prinsip Rukun Negara dan dasar-dasar utama negara yang berkaitan.

7. Rumusan

Dasar Pembangunan Belia Negara adalah panduan yang dapat memberi peluang dan ruang kepada semua pihak dalam merancag dan melaksanakan program untuk memperkasa pembangunan belia.

 

NATIONAL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT POLICY 2

4. Strategies

In order to realise the National Youth Development Policy, the following strategies will be implemented:

4.I Knowledge Development

Efforts will be geared towards enhancing the knowledge base in various subjects; hence functioning as a foundation for the competence of youth.

4.2 Attitudinal development

As a response and future challenges, efforts will focus on the inculcation of moral values and the development of a positive and creative attitude.

4.3 Vocational and Entrepreneurial Development

To equip youth with state-of-art technical knowledge and vocational skills, as well as involving them in entrepreneurial activities in line with the demands of nation-building.

4.4 lnculcation of a Healthy Lifestyle

Youths are encouraged to engage in social and voluntary activities that lead to a healthy, active and dynamic lifestyle. This lifestyle will nurture our youth into responsible leaders of high caliber.

4.5 Facilities for Social Interaction

To upgrade relevant facilities that contribute towards promoting healthy interactions and social activities amongst youth and communities.

4.6 Partnership in Development

To utilise partnership and co-operation amongst governmental agencies, NGOs and the private sector for the benefit of youth development.

4.7 International Relations and Networking

To encourage youth to further promote closer ties and international networking with international communities.

4. Strategi

Untuk mencapai Dasar Pembangunan Belia Negara beberapa strategi akan dilaksanakan:-

4.1 Pembangunan ilmu

Usaha akan dipertingkatkan ke arah mengembangkan ilmu pengetahuan di dalam berbagai aspek sebagai tunggak kepada pembangunan dan kernantapan generasi belia.

4.2 Pembentukan Sikap

Usaha ke arah penerapan nilai-nilai murni dan pembentukan sikap yang positif dan kreatif akan dipupuk di kalangan belia bagi menghadapi cabaran semasa dan akan datang.

4.3 Pembangunan Kemahiran dan Keusahawanan

Mempersiapkan generasi belia dengan teknologi terkini, kemahiran teknik dan vokasional sert a kegiatan keusahawanan selaras dengan kehendak pembangunan negara.

4.4 Pemupukan Gaya Hidup Sihat

Generasi belia digalakkan menyertai persatuan atau aktiviti sukarela yang dapat memupuk gaya hidup yang sihat, cergas dan dinamik. Amalan lni akan dapat melahirkan pemimpin-pemimpin yang bertanggungjawab dan berkualiti.

4.5 Kemudahan lnteraksi Sosial

Mempertingkatkan kemudahan yang sesuai bagi menggalakkan aktiviti dan interaksi sosial yang sihat di kalangan belia dan masyarakat.

4.6. Perkongsian Dalam Pembangunan

Menggunakan perkongsian dan kerjasama antara agensi kerajaan, swasta dan pertubuhan bukan kerajaan untuk pembangunan generasi beiia.

4.7 Jaringan Hubungan Antarabangsa

Menggalakkan generasi belia meningkatkan jaringan dan interaksi dengan masyarakat antarabangsa.

 

NATIONAL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT POLICY 1

NATIONAL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT POLICY

1 Introduction

1.1 Youth constitute a resource of tremendous potential and they can contribute significantly to the overall development of the nation. The ability to harness the potentials of youths will determine our strength and resilience in pursuing social, economic and political development.

2. Status Of Youth

2.1 Young people between the age range of 15 -40 assume the status of (youth). Nevertheless, the main focus of youth development programmes and activities involve young people from 18-25 year of age.

3. Objective

3.1 To establish a holistic and harmonious Malaysian youth force imbued with strong sprititual and moral values, who are responsible, independent and patriotic thus serving as a stimulus to the development and prosperity of the nation in consonance with the vision 2020.

DASAR PEMBANGUNAN BELlA NEGARA

1. Pendahuluan

1.1 Generasi belia merupakan sumber terbesar dalam negara dan mereka berpotensi untuk menyumbang kepada pembangunan negara.

1.2. Keupayaan mengembeling tenaga belia akan menentukan kekuatan dan ketahanan pembangunan sosial, ekonomi dan politik negara.

2. Takrif Belia

2.1 Dari segi umur belia ialah mereka yang berumur antara 15 hingga 40 tahun. Walau bagaimanapun dari segi strategi perlaksanaan program dan orientasi aktiviti, tumpuan utama ialah mereka yang berumur 18 hingga 25 tahun.

3. Matlamat

3.1 Mewujudkan belia Malaysia yang memiliki peribadi yang bersepadu dari segi rohaniah, akliah dan jasmaniah, bertanggungjawab , berdikari, bersemangat sukarela dan patriotik serta menjadi penggerak kepada kemajuan dan kemakmuran bangsa, agama dan negara selaras dengan Wawasan 2020.

 

Conflict Management Workshop

The “Conflict Management Workshop” conducted on 20 May 2007 at Wawasan Open University was a replication of IAF training by FAN Malaysia, with the co-operation of YMM Central Training Committee and Jalan Kepong branch.

The primary purpose of this workshop is to introduce participants to the concepts of conflict prevention, management and resolution, develop participant’s appreciation of the fundamental causes and conditions of conflicts in Family Level, Organization Level, National Level and International Level, as well as explore the applicability of traditional conflict resolution mechanisms and their effectiveness.

Participants will be exposed to key theories of conflict and concepts of conflict prevention, management and resolution as it relates to Malaysia; learn the key analytical frameworks in understanding conflict and conflict resolution processes, and be exposed to different approaches to prevention, management and resolution of conflicts, as well as understand the role of culture in conflict and its resolution.

The workshop opened with light introduction to FAN Malaysia by its chairman, Ms. Ng Yeen Seen and a survey on the most important conflicts since 1990 and also the expectation of the participants. The facilitator, Gideon Chiong introduced selected levels and instruments of conflict management: Conflict settlement, Conflict resolution and Conflict transformation before breaking into small group to discuss on Mediation and arbitration techniques, Structural reform and peace efforts, Transforming cultural conflict and NGO activities.

After lunch, participants were required to apply the techniques in 4 types of conflicts: Domestic conflicts, Organizational conflicts, National conflicts and International conflicts. Their solutions were presented to the group and being critically evaluated. The workshop ended with a closing speech by the YMM Central Training Committee Chairman, Mr Yong Khai Wah and a certificate presentation by Dr Busarin Dusadeeisariyawong.

The 25 participants were a good mix from youth organization leaders, community association, Tour Guide Association, staffs & members of political party, working adults and students. Views from all level of society were presented on the discussed topics of both local and international issues, whereby they could apply a more structured frame work to analyze and resolve these conflict areas in a more systematic manner.

The knowledge learnt were well accepted and started to spread into other sectors of the society when Representative from the Tour guide Association called to make arrangement with the facilitator to conduct similar course days after the workshop.

 

A consistent strategy

The council have successfully increased the income of the rakyat (people) in our kawasan (constituency) over the years… until they start migrating to the Kuala Lumpur (the capital city)…

 

Attitude of Chinese Youth towards Politics

The Political Value of youth today has to be viewed from the aspects of Political Psychology & Political Theory.

Look at the 2006 Merdeka Center Youth Survey. It shows that:

• 64% of the surveyed youth think that Politics are complicated
• 35% admitted that they don’t understand politics while
• 26% think that politic is dirty.

IF government can guarantee economic growth, 41% youth are willing to give up election, among them

• 49% Chinese
• 37% Malay and
• 48% Indian

Only 27% think that election is conducted fairly while only 8% think that they can affect the government.

On the other hand, the 2004 New Era College Youth Survey which focused on Selangor concluded that:

• Political awareness is high but the involvement is low.
• Most youth are concerned about corruption while
• agree that the government policy affect Chinese youth significantly and
• should allow more space for opposition.
• These youth think that they are good citizens but
• are willing to compromise law to achieve certain task.

Conclusions derived from these surveys indicated that our youth care about social issues more than political issues, which can further described as having a mindset of a residence in this country more than citizen. Their awareness is high but never participates in politics.

Development of youth mentality from the Agricultural age to industrial age then the information age has posed the following problems:

1. Polarization – It’s a result from the heritage of anti colonial mindset from our education system, media, and (race based) political parties
2. Education System – Its aim is to train worker for economical development using the social engineering approach. Hence trained generations of non-thinking youth – controlled with Higher Education Act.
3. Economical Structure – Individualism, consumerism, materialism act as catalyst of the mindset of the youth.

Characteristic of these mindsets are: Hatred on politicizing of issues, Self-marginalization – think that their own vote is not important and would prefer migrate than the long term struggle of participating in politics.

Reason of the development: Lack of Political Idealism which caused the materialization of politics, and Lack of motivation which is a product of emptiness of the soul.

Never the less, facing these grey sentiments, youth worker like YMM have to determine in promoting the positive concept of Vertrical Heritaging & Horizontal Interaction actively among the youth. It is important to Seek the common value within the difference among the multiracial context of Malaysia.

 

How group study helps me

Study groups is very important for a distand learner. For me, it helps to retain the information I learned. It is like unconciously applying the learning techniques.

First of all, the study group ‘forces’ me to Study Regularly as it is out of the tutorial class and on top of my usual self studying schedule.

By coming out and meeting with fellow classmates to discuss the ideas not only i have to review & Organise the Information before hand but also motivates me to study better in order to have ‘face’ and keep up with the discussion in the group.

Besides that, the group Make the Material Meaningful, as there there will be group members that always ask about how to apply the information. Either by explaining or listening to the explaination, I got first hand experience on the relevance in daily of the newly acquired knowledge.

More importantly, as our group members are from different industries, this sharing of experience really broaden my view on how the things we learn in class can be applied to fields other than my own.

Combined all the above, all the interaction in the group and preparation need to come to a group, facilitated a environment that truely enables Studying Actively. The group sometimes mixed jokes, gossip and also some lunch/dinner session, whereby all the group members have to participate, think about and discuss (sometimes argue) active about the knowledge they learned. It has become part of our life, the paticipation has make it as if these learning are directly from our live experience.

Most of the time after a group session, though not long due to time contrain, there is a sense of familiar with the topic discussed.

 

YouthCares 2005-2007 clips

Some clips of the YouthCares 2005-2007 Project of YMM.

See the original site at Youtube

 

Democracy, the perfect way?

The Perfect Way

Democracy is a government “of the people, by the people, and for the people”.

Democracy is a set of constitutional rules and procedures that determine how a government functions.

Democracy should be able to create a better system, to lead a good government and a better country.

The Reality

The young generation of Malaysians who are unaware, apathetic and simply blind to the changes happening around them. The education system, the way the students are treated today does not encourage the society to achieve a “first-world mentality”.

Students are told to just obey, or face the consequences where they supposed to explore to all sorts of new ideas and be questioning, ethical, critical and innovative. With this, the country is moving away from a democratic society.

The education system, ISA and Printing Presses and Publications Act has steadily tightened the free development on civil liberties in Malaysia. And here lies the unfairness of the whole situation.

In Malaysia, the only way to voice out of democracy is in the cyberspace. Our Constitution gives us certain fundamental liberties, and laws exist in huge numbers to make sure that the practice of those liberties is tightly controlled.

Because of its political makeup, there is little chance and hope for Malaysia to change to a truly democratic system in the near future.