Pasir gudang: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has proposed that Student Representative Councils (MPP) at institutions of higher learning undergo special leadership and political courses to enhance their understanding of democracy and the country's political landscape. He said such exposure was important in nurturing a more mature generation of young leaders who understood current national issues and challenges.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid stated that the government was prepared to fund the courses if requested by MPPs nationwide, subject to the approval of Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir. "We will fund it so they can attend leadership courses that expose them to the political arena and equip them to help shape the nation's future political landscape," he said at the Khabar Siswa Programme at Sultan Ibrahim Polytechnic in Pasir Gudang.

The deputy prime minister, who is also Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman, emphasized that young people did not necessarily have to be actively involved in politics but should remain informed about political developments. "18-year-old voters and first-time voters do not have to be involved in politics. If they want to be involved, they can. I myself became active in politics when I was a student leader at Universiti Malaya (UM). What is important is that young people understand politics even if they are not directly involved," he said.

Ahmad Zahid also highlighted the importance of youths making informed choices when voting and not wasting the opportunity to cast their ballots, as every vote played a crucial role in determining leadership and the direction of a political party. His remarks come as Johor prepares for polling on Saturday in the state election, with 56 state seats being contested.