KEMBARA JOM NOT POLITICALLY MOTIVATED, AIMS TO FOSTER OPEN DIALOGUE AMONG YOUTH - ADAM ADLI

SLIM RIVER, Nov 2 (Bernama) -- Established as a nationwide initiative, the Kembara Jumpa Orang Muda (Kembara JOM) programme is not politically motivated but aims to provide a platform for youth and all quarters to engage in healthy and balanced dialogue.

Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Adam Adli Abd Halim said the programme’s main objective is to create a safe, inclusive space for young people to engage directly with leaders, government representatives, and other stakeholders to discuss current issues constructively.

He added that the initiative serves as a channel to engage youth, gather their perspectives, and understand the challenges facing the next generation.

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“In every Kembara JOM series, a town hall session is held as an open dialogue platform. We invite representatives from various parties, not only from the government but also from the opposition.

“If an issue concerns an area administered by a particular political party, representatives from that party are also invited to ensure discussions are fair and balanced,” he said at the Kembara JOM 2.0 Central Zone programme at Dewan Semai Bakti Felda Gunung Besout 3, near Sungkai, today.

Adam Adli said such initiatives reflect the true spirit of democracy, which should be instilled among youth by giving them opportunities to participate actively in decision-making on community and national issues.

“We do not want to continue the old top-down approach, where decisions are made solely at the higher level.

“Instead, we want to cultivate a new culture based on the courage of the people,  where the voices and views of young people are heard and considered. This is the spirit of democracy we wish to nurture,” he said.

He added that open dialogue is also important for educating young voters, especially after the implementation of Undi18 in 2019, which enabled millions of youths to vote.

“There has never been a truly comprehensive political transition programme to prepare young people to play their roles as voters and decision-makers.

“Hence, initiatives like Kembara JOM fill that gap. Focusing on building the capacity and character of youths so that they become more confident, courageous to speak up, and capable of thinking critically when facing contemporary challenges,” he said.

The Kembara JOM 2.0 Central Zone programme, held over three days beginning Oct 31, brought together hundreds of youths from Perak, Selangor, and the Federal Territories for dialogues, workshops, and career exhibitions.

-- BERNAMA