Sarawak commi ed to develop youths to be future leaders, says Premier
KUCHING: The Sarawak government is very commi ed to seeing that youth organisations like the scout movement play their roles in the character development of youths, said Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said the government regards youths as the future leaders who will determine the direction of the country – a role that has to be developed so that by the time they have reached that level, they will be able to continue the legacy created by the present leadership in seeing the country prosper in the right direction.
“This is very important as you notice that our youths nowadays are being subjected to various negative influences from within the country or from outside.
“The effort by the government by itself towards the development of the youths also needs support and we are very lucky to note that the scout movement has been able to set its clear programmes and activities to train the youths in so many fields to that direction so that its members will become more versatile or agile in their action,” he said.
He said this in a text-of-speech read by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian at the Sarawak Scouts 111th anniversary gala dinner at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching on Wednesday night.
Abang Johari commended the state scout movement for their continuous guidance and volunteerism, playing an integral part in shaping the lives of scouts.
“Scouting is much more than just tying knots and pitching tents; it is an extraordinary journey of personal growth, instilling self-confidence, resilience, respect and a strong sense of community. It is a transformative experience that moulds youngsters into responsible, compassionate and active citizens of tomorrow,” he said.
“However, none of this would be possible without the tireless efforts of our dedicated scout leaders and the unwavering encouragement from parents and guardians.”
Meanwhile, Sarawak Scout Council president Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom in his welcoming remarks said the organising commi ee would be producing a souvenir magazine in conjunction with the 111 years of scouting in Sarawak.
He hoped the scout commissioners, scout leaders and scout council members would contribute their personal collection of scouting materials to the organising commi ee for compilation.
During the dinner, commemorative medals were presented to various scout leaders and event sponsors as well as Dr Sim, with a similar medal to be presented to Abang Johari in due course.