Youths, the leaders of tomorrow, should be given more chances and opportunities to voice out their opinions with their multiracial compatriots, said former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today.
The 95-year-old nonagenarian believes that Malaysian youth can empower and drive the nation to a better future if given more proper channels or platforms, such as forums or digital discussions.
"From that platform, they can identify certain issues and have regular discussions. Together with their Malay, Chinese, Indian friends, it (discussion) will sharpen their mind and understanding about moral values.
"From there, they can understand each other better, especially about politics. Who knows, they can develop a friendship. That is why it is vital to make use of your youth, just communicate and take differences positively," he said.
Speaking at a digital talk organised by MyPerintis, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) that promotes Youth Empowerment, Dr Mahathir said youths should remain active and be involved in a lot of activities to keep their mind busy and occupied so as not to waste the opportunity to develop this country.
On another matter, Dr Mahathir advised the rakyat to explore different ways of carrying out businesses, including the online platform, especially since the bank loan-repayment moratorium will not last forever.
"You must think very hard for the time when the moratorium is lifted, then you will have no more support. What will you do at that time? I sympathise with those who are unable to switch to another business. But always remember that moratorium is not forever, at some stage you have to pay your debt," he said.
The government recently announced the extension of loan repayment moratorium by three months for those who lost their jobs in 2020 due to the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, while a targeted approach would be undertaken for the rest.
Previously, the government announced a six-month moratorium period from April 1 to Sept 30, 2020, under its PRIHATIN Rakyat Economic Stimulus Package to cushion the impact of the pandemic.
Dr Mahathir said those who did not have the capacity to venture into a new business could use the gig economy platform, such as Grab and Foodpanda, to sell their products straight from their own backyard.
At the end of the session, he reminded the people to be more tolerant of one another to turn Malaysia into an advanced nation. This, he stressed, was because the country was very rich and there were many opportunities for the people to improve themselves, although they were often distracted by political matters.
"Therefore, the people must be smart in making an assessment of the country. If there is a choice during general elections, then choose as best as possible," he said while advising the people not to be extremists towards anything.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Mon Aug 03 2020
Dr Mahathir said youths should remain active and be involved in a lot of activities to keep their mind busy and occupied. - Filepic/Astro AWANI
Pegawai, anggota bomba di lima negeri ada masalah kesihatan
Ujian Kemahiran Taktikal Kebombaan diduduki seramai 12,608 anggota dan pegawai dan hanya 9,313 sahaja yang lulus.
Kerajaan komited lahirkan lebih ramai teknousahawan
Anugerah Teknousahawan TVET@KKDW diperkenalkan bagi memberi pengiktirafan serta penghargaan kepada institusi, pengajar, pelajar, graduan dan alumni yang telah menunjukkan kecemerlangan dalam bidang keusahawanan TVET.
Kedah bakal bangunkan LRT di Langkawi
Kedah merancang membina sistem tren Transit Aliran Ringan (LRT) menggunakan teknologi levitasi magnet di Langkawi
Kes pedofilia MRSM Tumpat diklasifikasikan fitnah, tiada bukti kukuh
Kes pedofilia terhadap seorang guru Maktab Rendah Sains Mara di Tumpat diklasifikasikan sebagai fitnah selepas siasatan tidak menemui bukti kukuh berhubung kes itu, kata Ketua Polis Kelantan Datuk Muhamad Zaki Harun.
Kerajaan berusaha tangani inflasi, tingkat kuasa beli rakyat
Menurut Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, kerajaan tidak berdiam diri dalam menangani masalah inflasi termasuk melalui pelaksanaan pelbagai bentuk intervensi seperti kawalan harga.
Keutamaan negara Asia Barat untuk penuhi hasrat rakyat Palestin
Sekiranya Palestin diberikan negara dan kebebasan, mana-mana pihak tidak perlu lagi campur tangan dan tidak ada lagi konflik di Timur Tengah.
WEF gemakan wawasan, keterbukaan Malaysia dalam tiga hasrat
Mesyuarat Khas Forum Ekonomi Dunia (WEF) menjadi platform untuk Malaysia menggemakan keterbukaan jalinan kerjasama untuk melonjakkan ekonomi negara.
Hari ketiga lawatan Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim di Riyadh Arab Saudi membawa wawasan Malaysia memperkasa hubungan bilateral antara negara, selain perbincangan mengenai pelaburan dan usaha memperkasa jalinan kerjasama sedia ada.
Hari ketiga lawatan Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim di Riyadh Arab Saudi membawa wawasan Malaysia memperkasa hubungan bilateral antara negara, selain perbincangan mengenai pelaburan dan usaha memperkasa jalinan kerjasama sedia ada.
Berita antarabangsa pilihan sepanjang hari ini
Antara pelbagai berita luar negara yang disiarkan di Astro AWANI, berikut adalah yang paling menjadi tumpuan sepanjang hari ini.
Berita tempatan pilihan sepanjang hari ini
Berikut adalah berita yang paling menjadi tumpuan sepanjang Isnin, 29 April 2024.
WEF gemakan wawasan, keterbukaan Malaysia melalui tiga hasrat
Malaysia mahu perkasa hubungan bilateral antara negara, selain perbincangan mengenai pelaburan dan usaha mengukuhkan jalinan kerjasama sedia ada.