Muhyiddin Yassin said towards this end, various initiatives had been implemented specifically for the youth community through assistance packages under the “Program Strategik Memperkasa Rakyat dan Ekonomi”.

“The government has introduced several initiatives specially for youths under ‘Initiative 19: Prihatin Belia’.

“These efforts are to ensure that all government policies and initiatives always remain relevant by taking into consideration the aspirations and current needs of youths,” he said in his National Youth Day 2021 address, aired live on the youth and sports ministry’s Facebook page today.

He said the ministry, with the cooperation of the Malaysian Youth Council, was also taking the initiative to formulate the New Youth Development Model, he added.

This model would serve to complement the existing Malaysian Youth Policy 2015-2035 to ensure it remains in line with the latest policies, such as the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030 and Sustainable Development Goals, he said.

Apart from this, focus would also be given to efforts to tackle the challenges faced by youths, especially post-Covid-19, and to equip them to deal with the changing digital landscape involving skilled work.

This included empowering youths through analytical and innovative thinking, efficient management of new technologies, and emphasis on innovation and creativity, he said.

The prime minister noted that many youths have brought honour to Malaysia with their achievements although the country was grappling with the Covid-19 pandemic.

They included Muhammad Hamdi Ahmad Hakimi and Jarell Cheong Tze Wen, who have been selected to further their studies at Harvard College in the US.

He also took pride in badminton ace Lee Zii Jia winning the 2021 All England men’s singles title in March and diver Pandelela Rinong winning a gold medal at the 2021 Fina World Cup.

The prime minister also congratulated Mohd Azizulhasni Awang and Muhammad Shah Firdaus Sharom for excelling at the national track cycling championship in Australia.