YOUTH KEY TO SUSTAINING NATIONAL HARMONY - MOHAMMED TAUFIQ

ALOR SETAR, March 10 (Bernama) -- Youth are an important asset in preserving harmony in Malaysia’s diverse society, Youth and Sports Minister Mohammed Taufiq Johari said.

He said the younger generation should serve as a bridge connecting communities of different races and religions, acting as agents of unity who help bring Malaysians together.

“Malaysia is a highly plural society with many races and religions. We must respect one another, and the young people are an important asset in maintaining harmony in our country,” he said after launching the state-level Rakan Masjid X Rakan Muda Ramadan programme and Iftar Jamaie at Al Hikmah Education Complex here on Monday.

Mohammed Taufiq said today’s youth should also deepen their knowledge, including both worldly and spiritual learning, to produce a future generation of leaders with strong character and identity.

“The Rakan Masjid programme, for example, aims to enliven mosques as institutions capable of nurturing quality future leaders, not only in leadership, but also in character, identity, and both worldly and spiritual knowledge,” he said.

Mohammed Taufiq said the initiative follows the launch of the Rakan Masjid X Rakan Muda Ramadan programme by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Feb 22 in Kuala Lumpur. The programme is now being expanded nationwide to state, parliamentary, district and village levels.

In Kedah, he said the programme involves about 600 to 700 youths from various districts, featuring activities such as khat calligraphy writing competitions, azan and Quran memorisation contests, as well as religious talks.

Mohammed Taufiq said his ministry would continue working with relevant agencies, including the religious affairs division in the Prime Minister’s Department, to ensure similar initiatives continue throughout the year and are not limited to Ramadan.

“The programme will not be a one-off event. It will continue with follow-up activities, including leadership training and sports programmes.

“We are also providing various grants for youth committees so that, in addition to leadership initiatives, grassroots sports programmes, particularly at mosques, can be organised throughout the year,” he said, adding that the ministry also plans to expand cooperation with other houses of worship to form non-Muslim youth committees, broadening inclusive leadership programmes.

-- BERNAMA