The efforts of the youth-led Parlimen Digital should be celebrated instead of being subjected to attempts of control by the authorities, said Kampung Tunku assemblyperson Lim Yi Wei.

Lim (photo) said this after organisers claimed that a number of representatives from the youth-led initiative were contacted by police following the end of their virtual sitting yesterday.

"As a young women's representative, I have always supported efforts to empower young people, including Parlimen Digital.

"The first day of the Parlimen Digital sitting has proven that an online parliamentary assembly is possible.

"The composition of Parlimen Digital is seen as inclusive and across all walks of life through the efforts of the organisers who offer internet subsidies to needy participants," said Lim in a statement today.

The session chaired by constitutional lawyer Lim Wei Jiet ended at around noon yesterday with 222 representatives passing a motion on the need for the government to launch an economic booster package targeted specifically towards the youth.

The reasons for contact from the police are so far unclear although the organiser is expected to issue a full statement today.

"We don't know why, it's just they asked for personal details (of the participants) and what's going on," a Parlimen Digital secretariat member told Malaysiakini.

Each of the 222 participants was chosen to represent their parliamentary constituency that mirrors a real Dewan Rakyat sitting.

Lim, who was elected to the Selangor state assembly in 2018 at the age of 28, said she had met with Parlimen Digital representatives representing Selangor, the Federal Territories and Sabah.

"For most participants, Parlimen Digital was their first experience addressing issues related to democracy and governance.

"They took the initiative to meet with representatives of the people and leaders of either the government or the opposition.

"They are smart and have fresh ideas, not only based on idealism but with their own research and statistics from various sources," said Lim.

"We think it is inappropriate for them to be called by the authorities and asked to explain their participation.

"Young people need to be given the space to speak freely and contribute ideas to build the country," she said.

She urged the Youth and Sports Ministry to support Parlimen Digital's efforts and bring their ideas and arguments to the highest levels of government.

Meanwhile, Parti Sosialis Malaysia central committee member Sharan Raj (photo) condemned the action of the police.

"The youths were merely expressing their views through peaceful means on national affairs.

"Police are bound by the Federal Constitution to protect their freedom of speech and expression.

"The act of calling up the representatives creates an intimidating atmosphere," he said.

Batu's PKR MP P Prabakaran, who was elected to Parliament at the age of 22, also responded to the calls by the police saying that he sees the Parlimen Digital initiative as a positive effort that can empower the youth of the country.

"This effort is also able to give birth to patriotism and directly boost the leadership of the country later."

He also cited that between 1983 to 1995, RTM had hosted a mini parliament show, saying that it was a form of education for the youth of the country.

PKR president Anwar Ibrahim also chimed in, tweeting that the young should not be disturbed by the authorities where they should have been encouraged to celebrate democracy.

"I urge the home minister and the police to stop the pressure and immediately clarify this issue," he said.