Minister: National Civics Bureau to be abolished
KUALA LUMPUR: The National Civics Bureau (BTN) will be abolished in the near future, said Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman.
“We do not want BTN, it will be abolished,” he said during a forum titled “The changed political landscape and the aspirations of the youth” at Sunway University here yesterday.
He was commenting on the government’s move to shut down BTN, which has been drawing flak over the years with allegations that the bureau was used to promote racism and bigotry, and that served only its political masters.
On a separate matter, the Muar member of parliament said that he was committed to lowering the voting age from 21 to 18.
“I’m committed to make it happen by this term, Pakatan Harapan’s term of governance.
“We should not underestimate the wisdom of an 18-year-old and overestimate the wisdom of those above 50,” he said.
He said as soon as PH made the announcement to allow 18-yearolds to vote, incentives would be given to political parties to reach out to this group of voters.
“Young voters are more openminded. They are also open to dialogue and forums and keen on a multiracial Malaysia.”
He said, however, the concept of identifying with a Malaysian identity by youth could never be achieved if there were no institutional reforms.