‘Those under 40 to chart nation’s future’
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians below the age of 40 have been grouped as the most important segment to chart the nation’s future.
Umno information chief Tan Sri Annuar Musa said the age group represented the highest number in the voting bloc and should not be sidelined.
“They belong to the group that feels most of the social and financial pressures today. This group is considerably young, preoccupied with stabilising their finances and raising families.
“These are the people who know what they want and we need to listen to them,” Annuar said while moderating a session on the “Meaning of Peace Among Youths” programme hosted by the Umno Online news portal.
Annuar said those in the group were the most affected by current issues, could comprehend national politics and be aware of government policies.
“As such, we should not insult their intelligence or put them down. They are a knowledgeable lot and have access to many sources of information.
“What we need to do is to better engage them. They are the ones who will run the country one day. That is why we are drafting the National Transformation Plan 2050 (TN50). We are looking at how to build a better future for them.”
Earlier, Puteri Umno creative development bureau head Dira Abu Zahar, 33, urged the government to set up a regulatory body and a standardised legal framework to protect the rights of those working in the entertainment industry.
Dira, who is also an actress and a producer, described the industry “as light as a cotton candy” as its environment was not regulated by specific laws or an institution to oversee its quality.
“We have no clear laws to protect actors and those involved in the industry,” said Dira.
She said the current system, which supposedly oversaw the interests of artistes, was not streamlined.
“For example, how do you define us under labour law? How do you classify us as taxpayers?
“We are not covered by labour law, so we have to depend on contracts. And, none of the contracts are standardised (in content and approach).
“Sometimes, we work for more than 32 hours on the set, but is there a law to protect our rights?”
Present were actress Vanidah Imran and singer As’ad.