‘GOVT WANTS YOUTH TO BE HEARD’

They will get more opportunities to prove their capability as the driving force of the nation’s future, says Syed Saddiq

THE nation’s youngest cabinet minister, Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, 26, said his appointment as the youth and sports minister yesterday shows that the government appreciates the youth and wants to ensure that their voice is heard at the federal level.

“The government believes that the fate and future of youths in the country should be determined by themselves.

“Therefore, with this appointment, the youth will get more opportunities to prove their capability as the driving force of the nation’s future,” he said.

He said Pakatan Harapan worked as an inclusive government that believed in giving merits to ideas and contributions, regardless of age and background.

Describing his appointment as a huge responsibility, Syed Saddiq promised to carry out his duties to the best of his ability.

“God willing, I believe that we (all staff in the ministry) will be able to achieve success by working together as a team.”

Syed Saddiq said besides development for youths, the government was also committed to championing local sports in an inclusive and fair manner.

“Malaysia will continue to succeed in various fields; from sports management right to the development of athletes at domestic and international levels.

“The welfare of our athletes will also be defended and protected.”

The Muar MP took his oath of office, loyalty and secrecy before Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V at Istana Negara yesterday, along with 35 ministers and deputy ministers.

Former youth and sports minister Khairy Jamaluddin was appointed at age 37 in 2013.