The Prime Minister’s Cup political oratory contest organised by Barisan Nasional (BN) Youth can be turned into a platform to search for potential young leaders, BN Youth Chief Khairy Jamaluddin said.
He said the organising of the programme, which is the first in its series, had received an overwhelming response from the participants, especially from the young people, and thus, would be made an annual event.
“This is a talent-search programme, which I think is very important and also the most effective programme in BN,” he told reporters after attending the final round of the contest at Putra World Trade Centre yesterday.
Khairy, who is also Umno Youth chief, said he also believed that part of the important criteria for a leader was to be the most effective orator.
He said the participation of young people in the programme also proved that the government’s decision to amend the Universities and University Colleges Act, as announced by Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak last Thursday, was apt.
“We have proved through the contest that these young people are ready to join us and there is no reason for us to stop them from doing so,” he said.
Twelve finalists competed in the contest today after defeating their opponents at the zone-level competitions which began on Nov 13.
Mohd Syamsul Salleh, 25, emerged as the overall champion and received a cash prize of RM 5,000 with accompanying trophy.
Mohd Noorfirdaus Che Aman, 22, took second place and received RM3,000, while Azmi Ismail, 39, settled at third place and received RM1,000.
– Bernama
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