Siena:Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said emphasized the need to look beyond stereotypes that label young people as entitled or spoiled, urging recognition of the different socioeconomic realities they face today.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Azalina noted that young people encounter unique challenges shaped by technology-driven environments and evolving economic conditions, which influence their expectations for clarity and fairness in their careers. She shared these insights at the 2026 International Young Future Leaders Summit (iFUTURE) Ministerial Forum during a panel discussion titled 'Voices of Tomorrow A Conversation on Leadership and Nation Building' organized by the Ministry of Higher Education, where Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir was also a panelist.

Azalina reflected on how young people today appreciate their worth and demand respect and accountability from employers, unlike past generations. During the forum, she recounted a pivotal moment from her university days when she advocated for changes in examination scheduling for Malay students, which temporarily delayed her postgraduate studies at Cambridge University. This experience, she said, was crucial in shaping her leadership principles and political career.

She further called on university students and young leaders to actively engage with current issues impacting the nation, emphasizing their responsibility to address critical matters such as environmental pollution. She highlighted the severe impact of transboundary haze on public health and education, urging young people to use digital platforms to voice their concerns rather than remaining silent.