GEORGE TOWN, Nov 6 — The Penang government is in the process of forming a line-up of young leaders of calibre and vision who can contribute towards the development of both state and country to a better level.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said efforts were being made through the ‘Calon18: Penang Edition’ programme involving youths, in preparing Penang for a better future.
“Through a collaboration between the Penang Youth Development Corporation (PYDC) and Undi18, a total of 85 qualified Penang youth out of 135 applicants have been selected after undergoing several assessment sessions by a panel of distinguished individuals.
“They comprise youth who have undergone a strict competitive selection process. Therefore, make the best use of this platform to learn and deepen topics such as political financing, institutional reform, policy formulation and so on,” he said while officiating the programme virtually today.
The Penang state legislative assembly on Sept 1, with the full support of all parties, approved the drafting of the Penang Constitution (Amendment 2021) Bill which allows the age limit for candidates running for state assembly seats to be changed from 21 to 18.
Chow expressed hope that the programme would help the youths attain sufficient knowledge and skills to become election candidates while possessing more progressive ideas.
Even if they are not selected as election candidates, those who joined the Calon18: Penang Edition prgramme would still be able to play a role in the development of state and country.
