Alor setar: Youth are an important asset in preserving harmony in Malaysia's diverse society, Youth and Sports Minister Mohammed Taufiq Johari said. He emphasized the vital role of the younger generation as a bridge connecting communities of different races and religions, acting as agents of unity who help bring Malaysians together.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohammed Taufiq highlighted the importance of youth during the launch of the state-level Rakan Masjid X Rakan Muda Ramadan programme and Iftar Jamaie at Al Hikmah Education Complex. He stated, "Malaysia is a highly plural society with many races and religions. We must respect one another, and the young people are an important asset in maintaining harmony in our country."
Mohammed Taufiq also stressed the need for today's youth to deepen their knowledge in both worldly and spiritual domains to develop a future generation of leaders with strong character and identity. He noted that the Rakan Masjid programme aims to enliven mosques as institutions capable of nurturing quality future leaders, not only in leadership but also in character, identity, and comprehensive knowledge.
The initiative follows the launch of the Rakan Masjid X Rakan Muda Ramadan programme by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on February 22 in Kuala Lumpur. It is now being expanded nationwide to various levels, including state, parliamentary, district, and village levels. In Kedah, the programme involves about 600 to 700 youths from different districts, featuring activities like khat calligraphy writing competitions, azan and Quran memorisation contests, and religious talks.
Mohammed Taufiq assured that his ministry would continue collaborating with relevant agencies, including the religious affairs division in the Prime Minister's Department, to ensure the sustainability of similar initiatives throughout the year. "The programme will not be a one-off event. It will continue with follow-up activities, including leadership training and sports programmes," he said.
Additionally, the ministry is providing various grants for youth committees to facilitate leadership initiatives and grassroots sports programmes, particularly at mosques, throughout the year. Mohammed Taufiq also mentioned plans to expand cooperation with other houses of worship to form non-Muslim youth committees, broadening inclusive leadership programmes.