Lucia LaiThe Youth Parliament, second year in running, and one of the primary activities of the Penang Local Democracy Month, was held recently at the City Hall, Esplanade, Penang.
Twenty-seven youths under 25 took part in the Youth Parliament, themed ‘How Local Councils Can Make Penang A Better Place For All’.
The organizers were the state government, Suaram, a local human rights NGO and the Penang Diocese (Catholic) Campus Ministry.
The Youth Parliament was chaired by the Penang state assembly speaker Abdul Halim Hussain. Before the proceedings of the session began, Abdul gave a short talk on ‘the role of youths in strengthening the democracy process’.
Abdul asked a seemingly simple question, “How many governments do we have?” He said that most people will answer two – state and federal but there is a third government – the local government.
“The local government is just as important as the other two, as local government usually deals directly with the community for example the problems of clogged drains, over-grown bushes, demolitions and social welfare,” he said.
He explained the difference between the parliament and the government and informed the youths on how the parliament can keep an eye on the government.
He also said that the state assembly is always seeking to engage and empower young people by educating them. They are willing to go to schools or universities to talk to the young people about the roles of the ADUN and MPs.
Ten motions which were submitted by the youth were accepted by the organizers but only eight motions were debated.
Motion 1 (Passed):
The local government needs to ensure that development in Penang, especially housing and the economy is more balanced and sustainable. (Proposed by Sara Ayuni bt Ham)
Sara mentioned that in line with the government’s 1 Malaysia slogan, she hopes that the slogan ‘1 house, 1 family’ will be a reality for everyone when affordable housing are provided.
Motion 2 (Rejected):
Local Government need to provide temporary housing for victims of natural disasters. (Proposed by Norlia bt Che Saad).
Norlia bt Che Saad, who presented motion 2, argued that each time a disaster happens, the victims will be housed in schools or community halls, which, she said were not appropriate, as they need proper housing.
However, those who argued against it, felt that it was not fair to push the housing problems of victims to the government, as many of them could be housed with family or friends.
Motion 3 (Passed):
Local Government should introduce bus lanes at specific bus routes to improve the public transportation services, and encourage the public to take busses to prevent traffic congestion. (Proposed by Ch’ng Hui Yang)
Although there were a few who argued that bus lanes are not appropriate for narrow roads in Penang, but they agreed that the public transport service needed to be improved.
Motion 4 (Passed):
Local Government should ensure that all the beaches of Penang are accessible to the public. (Proposed by Marcus Pan Jian)
Marcus brought up that some beaches along the row of hotels of Batu Ferringhi/Tanjung Bungah, are exclusive beaches for their hotel guests only – thus perimeters should be clearly set up for the public.
Motion 5 (Passed):
Local Government need to be given more freedom and practice separation of powers from politicians, so that its responsibilities and public duties can be carried out. (Proposed by Daniel Teoh Tzu Yong)
David suggested that the local government should be elected and not appointed, which was endorsed by most of the youth. Many also agreed that politicians should not interfere in the job of the local government.
Motion 6 (Rejected):
Local Government need to provide public toilet for the transsexual community. (Proposed by Loo Que Lin)
In debating her motion (motion 6), that the local government ought to provide transsexuals with public toilet, Loo Que Lin said that all she wanted was for everybody to recognize the rights of transsexuals and not for people to make fun of them.
“If they go to a female toilet, they will be chased out, and if they go to a male toilet, they would be laughed at.” she said.
A few who debated against this motion brought up the question of religion but later on all agreed not to touch religion. One said that if toilets are provided for transsexuals, will mean that the government is acknowledging and supporting transsexuals, while another said that if this is approved, there will be no end to the demands – next people will ask for toilets for the blind, the deaf and so on.
Motion 7 (Passed):
Local Government needs to stop approving more private hospital projects without considering the impact of healthcare privatisation towards the community. (Proposed by Khaw Seng Hean).
Motion 9 (Passed):
Local Government needs to give priority to youths in all policy making processes that they undertake to curb social ills. (Proposed by Na’Imah bt Mohammad Najib)
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