UMNO Youth is mulling the idea of hosting a programme for secondary school and varsity students to boost their political awareness.
According to Wing Chief Dr Muhammad Akmal Saleh, the programme is crucial for preparing those who will be able to vote in the 16th General Election (GE16).
“There is a proposal to do programmes at universities, but we will focus on schools too. With Undi18, during GE16, teenagers who are in Form 2 now can vote by then,” the Merlimau assembly was reported as saying in a press conference after chairing his first UMNO Youth meeting.
Akmal stressed that the programmes would follow proper procedures. He is of the opinion that as a leader, you can’t break regulations governing schools and universities.
However, Akmal did not elaborate on UMNO Youth’s planned initiative.
Meanwhile, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said there must be prior permission for this.
Moreover, a circular released by the ministry specifies that political, racial, or extreme programmes or activities are not permitted in educational institutions. The circular specifically forbids political campaigning.
The exhibition of political emblems during programmes involving politicians is likewise prohibited. — April 5, 2023
Main photo credit: The Borgen Project
